French court extends Pavel Durov's detention

A French court has extended the police custody of Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, for an additional 48 hours. 

Durov was detained on Saturday at Le Bourget airport in Paris as part of an ongoing judicial investigation into 12 serious criminal offenses, including complicity in selling child sexual abuse material and drug trafficking. 

The investigation, which began last month, has drawn significant international attention due to Durov's prominent role in the tech industry.

Durov, who holds citizenship in Russia, France, the United Arab Emirates, and St. Kitts and Nevis, has been a key figure in the development of secure messaging platforms. 

His detention has sparked reactions from various governments, particularly Russia, which has expressed strong objections to the arrest. 

The Russian government has called for Durov’s immediate release, criticizing the actions taken by French authorities.

In contrast, French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that Durov’s arrest is not politically motivated but is instead part of an independent judicial process. 

Macron emphasized that the investigation is being conducted by the judiciary without political interference, aiming to uphold the rule of law. 

The extension of Durov's custody gives French authorities additional time to either release him or formally charge him with the alleged offenses.

As the investigation continues, the case has highlighted the complex legal and diplomatic challenges surrounding high-profile figures in the tech industry. 

Durov’s situation is being closely monitored by international observers, who are keen to see how the French legal system handles the allegations against him. 

The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the future of secure messaging platforms and the responsibilities of their creators in relation to global law enforcement efforts.