Maria Zakharova on the Arrest of Pavel Durov

Russian diplomats are doing everything they are obligated to do in the context of the case against Telegram founder Pavel Durov in France. This was stated by Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a briefing.

She clarified that if a French citizen is subject to criminal prosecution, Paris may deny access to the detained individual (Durov holds French citizenship – ed.).

“Russian diplomats are doing what they must,” concluded the representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Durov was arrested at Paris's Le Bourget Airport on August 24. The Paris prosecutor's office later announced that he was detained for questioning as part of a case initiated on July 8 against “an unnamed individual” in connection with suspicions of committing 12 crimes.

In particular, French authorities are investigating Durov's involvement in concealing data about illegal activities on the internet. Additionally, Paris believes that he may allegedly be “involved” in crimes such as the distribution of child pornography and drug trafficking. He is also suspected of failing to cooperate with authorities that made legal demands on the messenger, the department reported.

According to French media, Durov could face up to 20 years in prison.

The arrest of Pavel Durov has drawn widespread criticism from the public in many countries. In this context, French President Emmanuel Macron has had to provide clarifications, assuring that Durov's arrest is not a political decision, and promising that the decision regarding the businessman’s case will be made by judges.

The founder of Telegram holds passports from the Russian Federation, France, the UAE, and Saint Kitts and Nevis. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also stated that it has approached French authorities, requesting permission to provide all necessary consular services.