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Pavel Durov, the renowned creator of the messaging app Telegram, has found himself in legal trouble after being detained at a Paris airport. The Russian billionaire is set to appear in a French court to address allegations of various offenses related to his platform.
According to sources, Durov was taken into custody by police at Le Bourget airport upon his arrival in Paris from Baku on his private plane. French authorities have charged him with crimes such as fraud, drug trafficking, organized crime, terrorist propaganda, and cyberbullying, all of which are said to have occurred through the Telegram app.
The arrest of Durov has raised many eyebrows, with investigators expressing surprise at his decision to visit Paris at a time when he was being sought by the authorities. One investigator commented, “Enough of Telegram’s impunity,” suggesting that Durov had been avoiding accountability for the unlawful activities that allegedly took place on his platform.
The Russian government has also weighed in on the situation, accusing France of failing to cooperate in the matter. The Russian embassy in Paris has called for Durov’s extradition, claiming that France has been evasive in addressing Russia’s concerns.
Durov’s troubles date back to 2014 when he fled Russia after refusing government orders to shut down opposition groups on VK, a social media platform he had created. Following his departure from VK, Durov focused his efforts on developing Telegram, which has grown to become a popular messaging app with over 950 million monthly users.
Telegram offers users the ability to engage in one-on-one chats, group conversations of up to 200,000 members, and the creation of broadcast channels for sharing information. The app’s encrypted messaging capabilities have been lauded by some, including Ukrainian officials who use Telegram to disseminate military updates amid ongoing conflicts.
Despite its popularity, Telegram has also been criticized for its role in spreading misinformation and enabling extremist groups. The platform’s encryption features have made it a preferred tool for radicals looking to disseminate their views without fear of censorship or monitoring.
In the wake of Durov’s arrest, supporters have rallied behind him, with figures like Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressing solidarity. Musk, who has praised Durov’s commitment to privacy and free speech, has used his platform to advocate for Durov’s release.
Kennedy, a controversial figure in his own right, has echoed Musk’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of upholding free speech in the face of government scrutiny. Both individuals have called for Durov’s freedom and highlighted the need to protect platforms like Telegram that promote privacy and independence.
As Durov prepares to face the French courts, the outcome of his case remains uncertain. Amidst allegations of criminal activity and government pressure, the future of Telegram and its founder hangs in the balance. Supporters and critics alike are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this high-profile legal battle.
