French President Emmanuel Macron has weighed in on the recent arrest of Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, asserting that the detention is not politically motivated.
In a press conference on Monday, Macron stated that the arrest of Durov was conducted within the framework of French law and emphasized that it should not be interpreted as an act of political repression. “The arrest is purely a legal matter and not connected to any political agenda,” Macron asserted.
Durov, a prominent figure in the tech industry, was detained last week under charges related to allegations of regulatory non-compliance and financial irregularities. His arrest has sparked significant controversy and speculation, with some suggesting that it could be linked to his outspoken criticism of government policies.
Macron’s comments come amidst growing international scrutiny over the arrest. He reiterated that the French legal system operates independently and that all individuals, regardless of their status or influence, are subject to the same legal standards.
The French government has maintained that the actions taken against Durov are strictly procedural and necessary to address legal concerns raised by financial regulators. The president’s remarks aim to quell concerns about the potential for political interference and to reinforce the government’s commitment to upholding legal principles.
As the situation develops, observers will be watching closely to see if there are any further implications for international relations and the tech industry.
