The United Arab Emirates has formally requested that the French government provide full consular services to Telegram founder Pavel Durov following his recent arrest in Paris. According to a statement from the UAE foreign ministry on Monday, they are closely monitoring the situation to ensure Durov’s rights are protected.
Durov, who holds UAE citizenship, was detained by French authorities late Saturday at Paris–Le Bourget Airport as part of a broader investigation into Telegram, the encrypted messaging app he founded. The arrest is linked to a preliminary investigation by France’s OFMIN, an agency focused on preventing violence against minors. The investigation involves alleged offenses such as fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and the promotion of terrorism, with Durov accused of not taking sufficient action to prevent criminal activity on his platform.
In response, Telegram released a statement affirming its compliance with EU laws and stating that its moderation practices are “within industry standards and constantly improving.” The platform defended itself, arguing that it is “absurd” to hold a platform or its owner responsible for the misuse of the service by users. Telegram reiterated its commitment to protecting user privacy and expressed hope for a swift resolution to the situation.
The arrest has sparked widespread concern, with prominent figures like Elon Musk, who has previously identified as a “free speech absolutist,” expressing support for Durov by posting “#freePavel” on social media.
Pavel Durov, originally from Saint Petersburg, Russia, and now a UAE citizen, is known for creating Russia’s largest social network, VKontakte (VK), before founding Telegram. With an estimated fortune of $15.5 billion, Durov has positioned Telegram as a key alternative to US-owned platforms, emphasizing user privacy and data security.
The UAE foreign ministry’s involvement underscores the significance of this case, as they focus on ensuring Durov receives the necessary support throughout the legal process in France.
Many are hopeful that the strong support from the Arabian community will help in safeguarding Durov’s rights.