According to French media, the attorney for Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, who is under investigation in France, said it was "totally absurd" to argue that the leader of a social network was accountable for any criminal use or crimes committed on the platform.

On Wednesday, a French judge opened a formal inquiry into Durov, stating that he was suspected of being involved in the operation of an internet platform that permits illegal transactions, the trafficking of drugs, and photographs of child sex abuse. In addition, he is under investigation for allegedly refusing to assist the courts and laundering money.

Durov was granted bail on the condition that he pay 5 million euros ($5.6 million), report to police twice a week, and refrain from leaving French territory. Durov was arrested on Saturday at an airport near Paris and spent four days in police custody.

criminal use
Image Source: CoinDesk

His arrest has sparked a discussion about the boundaries between free speech and law enforcement, as well as the degree to which tech corporations should be held accountable for content on social media. There are around one billion users of Telegram.

Legal Defense and Government Statements

Lawyer David-Olivier Kaminski, who is representing Durov in France, told reporters, "It's totally absurd to think that the head of a social network could be involved in criminal acts that do not concern him, either directly or indirectly." The remarks were picked up by multiple local media sources. He was cited as stating, "Telegram fully complies with European regulations on digital." Upon Reuters' request for comment, Kaminski did not immediately reply.

Being placed under official investigation in France does not imply guilt or necessarily lead to trial, but implies judges think there is enough evidence to proceed with the probe. Before being put on trial or being shelved, investigations can go on for years.

Considered to be a frequent user of Telegram, French President Emmanuel Macron declared earlier this week that Durov's arrest was "in no way a political decision" and that the investigation had been determined by legal authorities, not the government.

According to a person close to the president, Macron had lunch with Durov in 2018 as part of a round of meetings with digital entrepreneurs. In 2021, Durov received French citizenship through an uncommon process for well-known individuals.

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