Russia criticizes 'neoliberal elites' for silence over Telegram founder Durov's arrest in France

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) – Russia on Wednesday criticized “neoliberal elites” for their silence over the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov by French authorities, urging the global community to speak out against his detention, which is tantamount to suppressing free speech and violating international law.

Commenting on Durov’s arrest upon his arrival at Le Bourget airport in France on Saturday from Azerbaijan, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova during a press conference in Moscow denounced it, saying Paris has once again violated international norms governing the protection of freedom of expression.

"Tens of millions of social media users are outraged, representatives of the financial community and numerous independent public figures are in a state of shock, yet the neoliberal elites remain deathly silent.

“In this situation, relevant international structures must fulfil their mandate to protect freedom of speech and the dissemination of information, and condemn the French authorities' actions to restrict these freedoms," Zakharova said.

French media reported that Durov’s arrest was linked to the lack of moderation on the messaging platform and his refusal to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.

Paris accuses Durov of being an accomplice to crimes committed via Telegram, including drug trafficking, crimes against children, and fraud.

Many prominent public figures have condemned the arrest, arguing that it was politically motivated. They claim that the French authorities orchestrated the move to gain control over Telegram, a messaging platform that has gained global popularity for its emphasis on privacy and security.