The UAE’s foreign ministry has requested that the French government provide consular assistance to Telegram CEO Pavel Durov.
In a significant development regarding the detention of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed support for Durov, who holds Russian, French, and Emirati citizenship.
The UAE has formally contacted the French government, requesting immediate consular assistance for Durov, who remains in police custody.
UAE Follows Up on Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s Situation
On August 27, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) issued a statement confirming that the UAE government is closely monitoring the situation of its citizen Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram.
The ministry has requested that the French authorities provide Durov with all necessary consular services.
This consular assistance aims to help the Telegram CEO receive legal and other forms of support promptly, which could facilitate his early release from custody.
“The UAE is closely following the case of its citizen Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, who was arrested by the French authorities in Paris–Le Bourget Airport, emphasizing that the UAE has submitted a request to the Government of the French Republic to provide him with all the necessary consular services in an urgent manner.”
The ministry also highlighted that the welfare of UAE citizens, providing comprehensive support, and protecting their interests are top priorities for the UAE.
Russian Lawmaker Blames Biden for Durov’s Arrest
The arrest of Pavel Durov has sparked international controversy and discussions about the balance between free speech and authoritarianism. Many tech industry leaders, celebrities, and political figures have opposed the arrest.
Meanwhile, a senior ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the Biden administration of orchestrating Durov’s arrest.
According to a Reuters report, Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of Russia’s State Duma, the lower house of parliament, suggested that the U.S. is attempting to gain control over Telegram through France.
French President Emmanuel Macron clarified that the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was part of an ongoing judicial investigation, stating, “it is in no way a political decision.”
Durov’s detention has been extended to 96 hours as the Tribunal Judiciaire de Paris has issued 12 charges against him, including fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and promotion of terrorism.
In a related development, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote a letter to the House Judiciary GOP, claiming he had been pressured by the Biden-Harris administration regarding content moderation.
