The United Arab Emirates has announced that it will carefully review the case Pavel Durovthe founder and CEO of Telegram Messenger, who was recently arrested in France, is following up. 39-year-old Durov is a citizen of the UAE. He was arrested on Saturday at Paris-Le Bourget airport as part of a judicial investigation that began last month and includes 12 criminal offenses related to his popular app.
According to a statement issued by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday morning, the country “has submitted a request to the French government to immediately provide all consular services to Durov.” This ministry emphasized that taking care of citizens’ affairs and protecting their interests is the main priority of the UAE.
Although Durov was born in Russia, he holds the citizenship of several countries, including the UAE, France, Russia, and Saint Kitts and Nevis. Emmanuel MacronOn Monday, the French president said that Durov’s arrest was not a political act and was part of an independent judicial investigation. Macron emphasized that France is committed to freedom of expression; But these freedoms must operate within the legal framework to protect citizens and their fundamental rights.
The story of Durov’s arrest has led to various reactions. Russian government officials have expressed anger at this action, and some have considered it politically motivated. Sergey LavrovRussia’s foreign minister, stated that relations between Russia and France had reached an “all-time low” after Durov’s arrest. The Kremlin warned that any “attempts to intimidate” Durov should be avoided and called for solid evidence for the “very serious” charges against him.
French media reports that Durov has been arrested on charges of using Telegram for money laundering, drug trafficking, etc. The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that Durov’s arrest warrant was extended for another 48 hours on Monday evening.
Under French law, Durov can be held for questioning for up to four days, before judges must decide whether to charge or release him. As this situation continues, the international community is following it closely; Especially considering the diplomatic implications between the UAE and France and Russia.
France and UAE have close military relations. France has a naval base in Abu Dhabi, and UAE forces use French-made Leclerc tanks and Rafale fighters. This existing military cooperation adds another layer of complexity to the diplomatic aspects of the Durov case.
