- The UAE demands immediate consular assistance for Pavel Durov, detained in France over alleged criminal violations linked to Telegram.
- French authorities maintain that the detention is part of an independent legal process and not politically motivated.
Abu Dhabi, 27 August (FinanceFlashNews.com) – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has called on France to urgently provide consular support for Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, following his recent detention. Durov, who holds Emirati citizenship, was arrested on Saturday, 24 August, at Paris-Le Bourget Airport. This detention is linked to an ongoing judicial investigation involving 12 alleged criminal offenses related to his popular messaging app, Telegram, as reported by the Paris prosecutor’s office.
Timeline of Events Leading to Durov’s Detention
- August 24, 2024: Durov is detained at Paris-Le Bourget Airport by French authorities.
- August 25, 2024: French judicial authorities extend Durov’s detention as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged criminal activities associated with Telegram.
- August 27, 2024: The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues a statement urging France to provide all necessary consular services to Durov.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that it is “closely monitoring” the situation and has “submitted a request to the French government to urgently provide him with all necessary consular services.”
“Ensuring the welfare and protection of our citizens is a top priority for the UAE,” the ministry stated, underscoring the importance of consular support in such cases.
French President Emmanuel Macron commented on the matter, clarifying that Durov’s detention is part of an independent judicial process and is not politically motivated. Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to freedom of expression, while noting that such freedoms must operate within a legal framework that protects citizens and upholds their fundamental rights.
The UAE and France have a longstanding and close military relationship, with France operating a naval base in Abu Dhabi and providing the UAE with advanced military equipment, including Leclerc tanks and Rafale fighter jets.
For more details on the developments surrounding Durov’s detention and the implications for Telegram, visit our ongoing coverage at FinanceFlashNews.com.
Keywords: Pavel Durov, Telegram, UAE consular support, French judicial process, freedom of expression
