French President Emmanuel Macron has addressed the public following the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov, which took place over the weekend at Bourget Airport near Paris. Macron said that the arrest was part of an ongoing judicial investigation and not a politically motivated decision.
In a statement, Macron responded to what he described as “false information” circulating regarding France’s stance on freedom of expression and innovation following Durov’s arrest. “France is deeply committed to freedom of expression and communication, to innovation, and to the spirit of entrepreneurship. It will remain so,” Macron stated.
He claimed that in a state governed by the rule of law, freedoms are upheld within a legal framework designed to protect citizens and their fundamental rights. “It is up to the judiciary, in full independence, to enforce the law,” he added.
Durov, a billionaire tech entrepreneur known for founding the Telegram messaging app, was apprehended by French authorities on Saturday evening. The arrest stems from an ongoing investigation centered on concerns regarding the lack of moderation on Telegram. According to sources, law enforcement officials believe that this situation has enabled unchecked criminal activity to flourish on the platform.
President Macron underscored that the arrest is purely judicial in nature. “The arrest of the president of Telegram on French soil took place as part of an ongoing judicial investigation. It is in no way a political decision. It is up to the judges to rule on the matter,” he said.
