Telegram founder arrest is apolitical, says Emmanuel Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed yesterday that Telegram CEO Pavel Durov had been arrested and defended the move by saying it was not “a political decision,” stressing that France is “above all a proponent of free expression and communication.”

Macron posted on X that the arrest was part of an ongoing judicial investigation, which, according to French authorities, began in July and includes charges of child pornography distribution, drug sales, money laundering and refusal to cooperate. 

Durov will remain in police custody until Wednesday.