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French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that he was not aware of Telegram founder Pavel Durov's arrival in France on Saturday. He made this statement during a press conference on Thursday in Serbia, emphasizing that he does not track the comings and goings of every citizen, regardless of their nationality. This revelation comes amidst a high-profile legal case against Durov, who was arrested upon his jet landing at a Parisian airport. The arrest followed a French judge's decision to formally investigate Durov, a dual citizen of France and the UAE, for suspected involvement in running an online platform facilitating illicit transactions, child sexual abuse materials, drug trafficking, and fraud.
The arrest of Durov has sparked significant attention, with many questioning the rationale behind his French citizenship granted in 2021. Macron defended this decision, arguing that it aligns with a strategy to attract high-profile individuals, including artists, athletes, and entrepreneurs, who contribute to French innovation and economic development. The government aims to entice such individuals by offering them French citizenship, provided they demonstrate proficiency in the French language and make substantial contributions to the nation's progress.
The case against Durov raises concerns about the extent to which France is willing to hold accountable individuals who operate online platforms facilitating illegal activities. While the government emphasizes its commitment to attracting talent and bolstering its economy, it must also demonstrate its commitment to upholding ethical standards and combatting online crime. The investigation into Durov's alleged involvement in illicit activities highlights the complex interplay between globalized technology, national security, and the responsibilities of digital platforms. It remains to be seen how French authorities will proceed with this case and whether they will seek to extradite Durov to face charges.
Source: Macron Says He Was Not Aware Of Telegram Chief Durov's Arrival In France