The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is closely monitoring the situation involving its citizen, Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, following his arrest by French authorities at Le Bourget Airport in Paris. The UAE government has formally requested that France provide Durov with all necessary consular services as a matter of urgency.
In an official statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the nation’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of its citizens, safeguarding their interests, and offering comprehensive support in all situations.
French media reported that Durov was detained on Saturday evening as part of a preliminary police investigation. The arrest has led to reactions from various parties, including a cautionary statement from Moscow, which urged Paris to ensure Durov’s rights are respected. Additionally, Elon Musk, owner of X, criticized the arrest, suggesting it represented an attack on free speech in Europe.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also indicated that its embassy in Paris is working to clarify the circumstances surrounding Durov’s detention and called on Western non-governmental organizations to advocate for his release.
⚖️ Telegram abides by EU laws, including the Digital Services Act — its moderation is within industry standards and constantly improving.
✈️ Telegram’s CEO Pavel Durov has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe.
😵💫 It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner…
— Telegram Messenger (@telegram) August 25, 2024
Following the arrest, Telegram released a brief statement after midnight Paris time, which did not provide specific details about the incident. The company affirmed its compliance with European Union laws and stated that its content moderation practices are “within industry standards and constantly improving.”
