Russia demands clarification on Pavel Durov's arrest from France

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that its embassy in France is seeking answers regarding the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov.

Despite the lack of communication from Durov’s representatives, the embassy took immediate steps to understand the situation surrounding the detention of the Russian entrepreneur.

The ministry emphasised that the embassy's primary goal is to protect Durov's rights and secure consular access to him.

The Russian embassy in France has expressed frustration over the lack of cooperation from French authorities, stating that "France has been avoiding cooperation on this issue so far."

Durov was arrested on August 24 at Le Bourget airport, according to the Paris Prosecutor’s Office, which extended his custody under French organised crime procedures for up to 96 hours.

The arrest has ignited significant controversy, with Russian officials and lawmakers criticising the move as politically motivated.

Telegram responded to the incident by affirming that Durov has "nothing to hide" and that he frequently travels across Europe, rejecting any implication that the platform or its owner are responsible for misuse by others.

Russian lawmaker Maria Butina condemned the arrest, labeling Durov as a “political prisoner” and accusing the West of conducting a “witch-hunt.”

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev weighed in, stating that Durov misjudged the situation by believing he could be a "brilliant 'man of the world' who lives wonderfully without a Motherland."

Medvedev further commented that, in the eyes of Russia's adversaries, Durov remains a Russian citizen and is therefore perceived as "unpredictable and dangerous."

The situation remains tense as Russia continues to push for clarity and cooperation from France, highlighting the broader geopolitical tensions at play.