Key Takeaways:
- Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, was arrested in France on August 24, 2024, and charged with multiple offenses, including money laundering and failure to cooperate with authorities.
- Released on €5 million bail, Durov is barred from leaving France, raising concerns over freedom of expression and the implications for social media leaders.
- Separate child abuse allegations against Durov have surfaced in Switzerland, further complicating his legal challenges.
Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was arrested in France on August 24, 2024, and subsequently charged with multiple criminal offenses.
These charges, brought by French prosecutors, relate to his leadership of Telegram and include complicity in illegal activities, money laundering, and failure to cooperate with authorities.
JUST IN: 🇫🇷 Pavel Durov officially released from custody and is out on €5,000,000 bail. pic.twitter.com/HMnfbMQ9Sc
— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) August 28, 2024
Durov was released from custody after posting a €5 million bail but is prohibited from leaving France.
His arrest and indictment have sparked concerns about freedom of expression, as Telegram is widely regarded as a platform for free speech.
Durov also faces separate child abuse allegations in Switzerland.
I have seen false information regarding France following the arrest of Pavel Durov.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 26, 2024
France is deeply committed to freedom of expression and communication, to innovation, and to the spirit of entrepreneurship. It will remain so.
In a state governed by the rule of law,…
French President Emmanuel Macron denied any political motives behind the arrest, though critics question the implications for other social media leaders.
Telegram has over 900 million monthly active users as of 2024.