Charges against Durov ‘absurd’ – lawyer — RT World News

The charges against Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, which would make him an accomplice to a whole range of crimes, are completely ridiculous, his lawyer told AFP.

Durov, who was arrested upon arrival at a Paris airport last week, was formally questioned on Wednesday and released on €5 million ($5.5 million) bail on condition he does not leave France.

His indictment included a dozen charges, including refusal to cooperate with authorities, complicity in crimes involving child abuse material and drug trafficking, as well as aiding and abetting “managing an online platform” used by organized gangs to conduct illegal transactions. The latter crime is punishable by up to ten years in prison and a fine of €500,000.

Responding to the charges, Durov’s lawyer, David-Olivier Kaminski, said: “It is utterly absurd to think that the leader of a social network could be involved in criminal acts that, directly or indirectly, do not concern him.”

He told AFP that Telegram “complies in all respects with European rules on digital technology.” His comments came after the Financial Times reported that the European Commission was investigating possible breaches of digital regulations by the platform, particularly over its alleged failure to provide authorities with accurate user data.

Durov’s arrest sparked outrage worldwide, with many opinion makers seeing it as a restriction of freedom of expression and suggesting that the US was ultimately behind the arrest.

The 39-year-old tech magnate is a citizen of France, the UAE, St. Kitts and Nevis and Russia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said Moscow is ready to help Durov, but added that the billionaire was capable of mounting his own legal defense.

He also warned against politicizing Durov’s investigation. French President Emmanuel Macron had previously denied that this was the case, insisting that Paris remains committed to the principles of freedom of expression.

You can share this story on social media:

Follow RT on