Macron Defends Citizenship for Telegram CEO Amid Controversy

French President Emmanuel Macron has staunchly defended the decision to grant fast-track citizenship to Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, despite the latter's legal troubles. Speaking during a news conference in Serbia, Macron asserted that welcoming high-profile individuals who contribute to the nation and learn French is beneficial for the country.

Macron emphasized that the decision to grant citizenship to notable figures, whether they are artists, athletes, or entrepreneurs, is part of a broader strategy. "It’s part of a strategy to allow women and men, whether artists, athletes or entrepreneurs, when they make the effort to learn the French language and that they develop wealth, innovation … to be given French nationality," Macron stated.

The French President also addressed allegations that he had prior knowledge of Durov's visit to France, which culminated in the CEO's arrest on Saturday. Macron denied any involvement, stating, "I was absolutely not aware of Mr. Durov’s arrival in France." He further clarified that Durov's arrest was "an independent act of French justice" and that he had not extended any invitation to the tech founder.

French prosecutors have accused Durov of complicity in criminal activities facilitated through the Telegram messaging app, including drug trafficking and the distribution of child sex abuse material. Additionally, they allege that Durov has refused to cooperate with law enforcement by not sharing requested documents.

Durov's lawyer, David-Olivier Kaminski, has vehemently denied these accusations, describing them as "totally absurd." Kaminski argued that it is unreasonable to hold the owner of a social network responsible for crimes committed by its users.

The arrest of Durov has sparked intense debates about freedom of speech, privacy, and the policing of harmful content online. Prominent figures in the tech industry and advocates for internet freedom, including Elon Musk, Edward Snowden, and ProtonMail founder Andy Yen, have criticized French authorities, viewing the case as a threat to freedom of expression.

Russia has also expressed concern, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warning French authorities against turning the case into a "political persecution."

As the controversy continues to unfold, Macron's defense of the citizenship decision underscores the complex interplay between national interests, legal accountability, and the global implications of digital freedom.