Pavel Durov released on probation after formal charges by french judiciary
French authorities have released one of the founders of Telegram, Pavel Durov, on probation after formally charging him. As part of the judicial controls imposed, Durov is prohibited from leaving French territory.
Durov, who holds both Russian and Emirati citizenships, had been detained since Saturday when he was arrested upon landing in his private jet at an airport on the outskirts of Paris. He is accused of enabling the commission of various crimes related to organized crime through the messaging app, which is one of the most popular in the world.
The Paris Prosecutor’s Office has charged Durov with twelve offenses, including the distribution of child pornography and drug trafficking, among other illicit content. French investigators have also criticized him for failing to cooperate with authorities in intercepting communications, according to an official statement reported by Le Monde.
Both the Russian and Emirati governments have requested consular access to the accused. French President Emmanuel Macron issued a statement on Monday, emphasizing that Durov’s detention was not a “political decision” and reaffirming the independence of the judiciary.
