Russia working to clarify Telegram founder's detention in France

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Russian Foreign Ministry is working to clarify the detention of Telegram's founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, in France, Russian state-run TASS reported.

The Russian Embassy in Paris told TASS that Durov's representatives hadn't contacted them, but diplomats are investigating the matter.

Foreign Ministry's spokesperson Maria Zakharova recalled Western outcry over Russia's 2018 Telegram ban, asking if they’ll demand Durov’s release now or remain silent.

"The Paris’ decision to detain Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov raises a question whether international organization will demand his release or will 'swallow their tongues,'" TASS quoted Zakharova as saying.

Russian lawmaker Vladislav Davankov also urged Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to act, suspecting political motives.

He warned Durov's arrest could endanger Telegram users' data and called for diplomatic efforts with French authorities.

Russia's representative to international organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, also wrote on X: "Some naive persons still don’t understand that if they play more or less visible role in international information space it is not safe for them to visit countries which move towards much more totalitarian societies."

Media reports claim Durov's detention is tied to illegal content on Telegram.

Founder of VK, a Russian online social media and social networking service, Durov left Russia in 2014 and holds multiple citizenships. His net worth is around $15 billion. Telegram has 900 million monthly users.