Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder of Telegram, remains in French custody for a second day, facing questioning over alleged offenses related to the messaging app.
Durov, who holds a French passport, was arrested at Le Bourget airport outside Paris on Saturday.
The investigating magistrate has extended Durov’s detention for questioning, which can last up to 96 hours. After this period, the judge will decide whether to free Durov or press charges and remand him in further custody.
Russia has accused France of “refusing to cooperate” in the case, while Elon Musk has called for Durov’s release. Telegram has insisted that Durov has “nothing to hide” and that the platform abides by EU laws.
Durov is accused of failing to curb criminal activity on Telegram, including fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and promotion of terrorism. Telegram has responded that it is “absurd” to hold the platform or its owner responsible for abuse.
Telegram has faced criticism for hosting illegal content, including extreme sexual imagery, disinformation, and drug services. Durov founded the platform in 2013 after leaving Russia, where he faced ownership difficulties with his previous project, VKontakte.
Edward Snowden has blasted the arrest as an “assault on basic human rights,” while Musk has posted the hashtag #FreePavel. Durov has positioned Telegram as a “neutral” alternative to US-owned platforms, prioritizing user freedom and privacy.
