Paris, August 30, 2024, The Europe Today: French President Emmanuel Macron publicly defended his decision to grant French citizenship to Pavel Durov, the CEO of the messaging app Telegram, in the wake of recent legal issues involving the businessman. Durov, who received French nationality in 2021 through a special process reserved for individuals making notable contributions to France, has recently been at the center of a legal storm.
Macron affirmed that Durov’s citizenship was “good for our country,” and drew a parallel with Evan Spiegel, CEO of Snapchat, who also obtained French citizenship through the same merit-based process. Macron reiterated his full support for the decision, emphasizing that it aligns with a broader strategy to recognize individuals who contribute significantly to France and embrace its language and culture.
However, the timing of Durov’s citizenship grant and subsequent arrest has sparked controversy. On Saturday, Durov was detained at a Paris airport under a warrant related to allegations of insufficient content moderation on Telegram and associated criminal activities. This arrest has drawn criticism, particularly from Durov’s supporters, who view him as a proponent of free speech.
In response to the allegations, Durov’s lawyer, David-Olivier Kaminski, denounced suggestions of Durov’s involvement in any criminal activity, stating, “Telegram complies in all respects with European rules concerning digital technology.”
Durov has been granted conditional release on a €5 million ($5.5 million) bail, with conditions including a ban on leaving France and regular reporting to a police station while the investigation continues.
The unfolding situation raises questions about the interplay between national honor and legal accountability, as France navigates the complexities of digital governance and international relations.
