French President Emmanuel Macron has reacted to the arrest of Russian Telegram founder Pavel Durov on French soil.
The French President explained that the arrest was part of an ongoing judicial process and had no political inclinations whatsoever.
Macron reiterated that France is committed to freedom of expression and communication and also praises the spirit of entrepreneurship.
The French president took to his X page to react to the arrest which has hugged the headlines since Saturday disparaging what he calls false information about the entire saga.
“I have seen false information regarding France following the arrest of Pavel Durov. France is deeply committed to freedom of expression and communication, to innovation, and to the spirit of entrepreneurship. It will remain so.
“In a state governed by the rule of law, freedoms are upheld within a legal framework, both on social media and in real life, to protect citizens and respect their fundamental rights.
“It is up to the judiciary, in full independence, to enforce the law. The arrest of the president of Telegram on French soil took place as part of an ongoing judicial investigation. It is in no way a political decision. It is up to the judges to rule on the matter.” Macron stated.
The statement by Macron sparked a flurry of reactions from the global community including influential voices like Elon Musk.
Elon Musk in response to the statement by the French president demanded more explanation on the reason behind Pavel Durov’s arrest.
“It would be helpful to the global public to understand more details about why he was arrested,” Musk Tweeted.
Russia and UAE Intervene
Following the arrest of Pavel Durov, The Russian embassy in France made frantic attempts to access Pavel Durov but it was futile. The embassy released a statement alleging that the French authorities were making it difficult to access Pavel Durov.
The United Arab Emirates foreign ministry also said in a statement today that it was closely following the situation on the ground.
“The UAE has submitted a request to the Government of the French Republic to provide him with all the necessary consular services in an urgent manner,” the Ministry’s communication directors said.
The Tribunal Judiciaire de Paris has announced that Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was arrested as part of a cybercrime investigation. Durov is reportedly accused of offering cryptology services.
French prosecutors say Durov could be held in police custody until August 28.
Telegram, which he founded, boasts a user base of approximately 800 million and is at the forefront of Web 3 adoption, integrating these technologies into its social media platform.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: Cameroonian activist found in Military custody with signs of torture after disappearance