Telegram founder Pavel Durov released from police custody in France after arrest
SUMMARY
Telegram founder Pavel Durov was released from police custody in France on Wednesday and transferred to court for initial questioning ahead of a potential indictment, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office. Durov, detained at Paris’ Bourget Airport on Saturday, faces allegations related to Telegram’s perceived lack of content moderation, including accusations of facilitating fraud, drug trafficking, and child pornography. After being held for the maximum 96 hours allowed under French law, he now awaits further judicial proceedings, which could lead to formal charges. His arrest has fueled a heated debate over freedom of speech, particularly in Ukraine and Russia, where Telegram is a crucial communication tool. French President Emmanuel Macron stressed that the legal actions against Durov are "in no way political." As Durov prepares for his court appearance, the trial could have large-scale implications for Telegram’s future and its 950 million users worldwide.
