Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, has been released from police custody after four days of questioning by French authorities. He's now headed to court for a first appearance and possible indictment ¹.
The allegations against Durov are quite serious, including claims that Telegram is being used for child sexual abuse material, drug trafficking, fraud, and abetting organized crime transactions. Additionally, investigators accuse Telegram of refusing to share information or documents when required by law ¹.
Durov's arrest has sparked controversy, with some Russian officials calling it politically motivated and proof of the West's double standard on freedom of speech. However, French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that the arrest was not a political move, but rather part of an independent investigation ¹.
It's worth noting that Durov's situation has also garnered attention from other countries, including Iran, where Telegram is widely used despite being officially banned. The Islamic Republic's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has even commented on the matter, praising France for being "strict" against those who "violate your governance" of the internet ¹.
We'll have to keep an eye on how this situation unfolds, especially considering the potential implications for Telegram and online freedom of speech.
