On Thursday, the Kremlin expressed concern that the legal case against Telegram founder Pavel Durov should not evolve into political persecution after a French judge placed the Russian-born tech entrepreneur under formal investigation.
News About Nigeria reports that Durov is facing allegations of complicity in running an online platform that facilitates illicit transactions, including the distribution of child sex abuse material and drug trafficking.
Additionally, he is being investigated for alleged money laundering and failing to cooperate with judicial authorities.
Durov’s lawyer dismissed the accusations as “totally absurd,” arguing that the head of a social network cannot be held responsible for criminal activities conducted on the platform.
“I don’t think we should continue making any judgments now,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
He stressed that Durov, who holds French citizenship, has the resources to organise his legal defense.
Peskov stressed the importance of ensuring that the legal proceedings in France do not become politically motivated.
“We know that the president of France has denied any connection of the case with politics, but on the other hand, certain accusations are being made. We will see what happens next,” Peskov added.
French President Emmanuel Macron also addressed the situation, stating on the social media platform X that Durov’s arrest was part of an ongoing judicial investigation and not politically driven.
“It is in no way a political decision. It is up to the judges to rule on the matter,” Macron wrote on Monday.
Durov, 39, holds dual citizenship in Russia and France.
Peskov confirmed that Durov retains his Russian nationality and assured that Moscow would be ready to assist him if necessary, as it would for any Russian citizen.
