Lawyer says arrest of Telegram CEO Durov is 'absurd'

"It is absurd to suggest that the head of a social network could be involved in criminal acts that do not involve him, directly or indirectly. Telegram fully complies with European digital regulations," lawyer David-Olivier Kaminski, who represents Durov in France, told reporters.

Being placed under formal investigation in France does not necessarily mean guilt or lead to trial. Investigations can last for years before they are brought to trial or dropped.

A placard reading "Free Pavel Durov" during a protest over the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov. Photo: Reuters

Durov was formally charged on August 28 with facilitating widespread criminal activity on the Telegram messaging platform, including enabling illegal transactions, spreading child sexual abuse images, and drug trafficking. Durov is also being investigated for alleged money laundering and refusing to cooperate with law enforcement.

Durov, who was detained by police for four days after being arrested on August 24 at an airport near Paris, was released on bail on the condition that he pay 5 million euros, report to police twice a week and not leave French territory.

The arrest of the Telegram CEO has sparked debate about free speech and law enforcement, as well as how much responsibility tech companies should take for social media content on their platforms.

Telegram has nearly a billion users. French President Emmanuel Macron, also known as an avid Telegram user, said earlier this week that Durov's arrest was decided by judicial authorities, not the government .

A source close to Mr Macron said he had lunch with Mr Durov in 2018 as part of a series of meetings with tech entrepreneurs, and Mr Durov was granted French citizenship in 2021 under a rare procedure reserved for high-profile individuals.

Hoai Phuong (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/luat-su-noi-vu-bat-giu-ceo-durov-cua-telegram-la-vo-ly-post309829.html