The UAE is calling on France to provide “all consular services” for Durov, saying ensuring care for UAE citizens is a “top priority”.
The United Arab Emirates has said it is closely monitoring the case of Telegram messaging app founder and CEO Pavel Durov, who is an Emirati citizen, following his arrest and the extension of his initial detention by French authorities.
Durov, 39, who was born in Russia, was arrested on Saturday at Paris-Le Bourget airport in France based on a judicial investigation opened last month involving 12 alleged criminal violations involving his popular Telegram app, the Paris prosecutor's office said.
The UAE Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday morning that it was “closely monitoring” Durov’s case and had “submitted a request to the French government to provide him with all consular services urgently.”
“Taking care of citizens, preserving their interests, following up on their affairs and providing them with all aspects of care are a top priority for the UAE,” the ministry said in the statement.
Although born in Russia, Durov spent much of his childhood in Italy and is a citizen of the United Arab Emirates, France, Russia and the Caribbean island nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
In his first public comment on the arrest, French President Emmanuel Macron said Monday it was not a political decision but part of an independent investigation.
In a social media post, Macron said France is “deeply committed” to freedom of expression, but “freedoms are defended within a legal framework, both on social media and in real life, to protect citizens and respect their fundamental rights.”
France and the United Arab Emirates have a close military relationship: the French operate a naval base in Abu Dhabi and Emirati forces use French-made Leclerc tanks and Rafale fighter jets, according to reports.
Russian government officials have expressed outrage at Durov's detention, with some calling it politically motivated and evidence of the West's double standards on freedom of expression.
I have seen false information about France following the arrest of Pavel Durov.
France is deeply committed to freedom of expression and communication, to innovation and entrepreneurship, and will remain so.
In a state governed by the rule of law,…
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 26, 2024
Telegram defended its operations in a statement, saying it complies with European Union laws and that its content moderation is “within industry standards and constantly improving.”
Durov, the company added, “has nothing to hide and travels frequently around Europe.”
French media report that Durov was arrested on a warrant alleging that his messaging platform had been used for money laundering, drug trafficking and other crimes.
A French investigative judge extended Durov's arrest warrant on Sunday evening, French media reported, but as of Monday afternoon he had not been charged and few details about the investigation were available.
Under French law, Durov can be held for questioning for up to four days. After that time, judges must decide whether to charge him or release him.
