The United Arab Emirates calls on France to supply ‘all consular companies’ for Durov, says guaranteeing care of UAE residents is a ‘prime precedence’ for the nation.
The United Arab Emirates has mentioned it’s following intently the case of Telegram messaging app founder and CEO Pavel Durov – who’s an Emirati citizen – following his arrest and the extension of his preliminary detention by authorities in France.
The Russian-born Durov, 39, was detained on Saturday at Paris-Le Bourget Airport in France primarily based on a judicial inquiry opened final month involving 12 alleged prison violations involving his widespread Telegram app, the Paris prosecutor’s workplace mentioned.
The UAE’s Ministry of International Affairs mentioned in an announcement early on Tuesday that it was “intently following” Durov’s case and that it had “submitted a request to the French authorities to supply him with all consular companies urgently”.
“Caring for residents, preserving their pursuits, following up on their affairs, and offering them with all elements of care are a prime precedence for the UAE,” the ministry mentioned in the statement.
Although born in Russia, Durov spent much of his childhood in Italy and is a citizen of the UAE, France, Russia, and the Caribbean island nation of St Kitts and Nevis.
In his first public touch upon the arrest, French President Emmanuel Macron mentioned on Monday that it was not a political transfer however a part of an impartial investigation.
Posting on social media, Macron mentioned that France “is deeply dedicated” to freedom of expression however “freedoms are upheld inside a authorized framework, each on social media and in actual life, to guard residents and respect their elementary rights.”
France and the UAE preserve a detailed navy relationship, with the French working a naval base in Abu Dhabi and Emirati forces utilizing French-built Leclerc tanks and Rafale fighter jets, in accordance with stories.
Russian authorities officers have expressed outrage at Durov’s detention, with some calling it politically motivated and proof of the West’s double commonplace on freedom of speech.
I’ve seen false info relating to France following the arrest of Pavel Durov.
France is deeply dedicated to freedom of expression and communication, to innovation, and to the spirit of entrepreneurship. It would stay so.
In a state ruled by the rule of legislation,…
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 26, 2024
Telegram in an announcement defended its operations, saying it abides by European Union legal guidelines and its content material moderation is “inside trade requirements and continually bettering”.
Durov, the corporate added, had “nothing to cover and travels regularly in Europe”.
French media stories that Durov was detained on an arrest warrant alleging his messaging platform had been used for cash laundering, drug trafficking and different offences.
A French investigative choose prolonged Durov’s detention order on Sunday night time, French media reported, however as of Monday afternoon, he had not been charged and few particulars have been out there on the investigation.
Beneath French legislation, Durov can stay in custody for questioning for as much as 4 days. After that, judges should resolve to both cost or launch him.