Russian-born billionaire Durov, 39, was detained by French authorities over the weekend. He is facing charges over issues related to illegal content carried on his popular messaging app.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday defended his decision to grant French citizenship to Pavel Durov, the CEO of the messaging app, Telegram.
Durov received French nationality in 2021 via a special process reserved for those deemed to have made a special contribution to France.
Granting Durov French nationality was “good for our country,” Macron said.
He also mentioned Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel, who like Durov won French citizenship via the process for ”merited foreigners.”
Macron said he “totally” backed the citizenship decision, adding it was a “strategy” concerning those who “make the effort to learn the French language” and who “shine in the world.”
What’s the case against Durov?
Durov was arrested at a Paris airport on Saturday on a warrant related to Telegram’s lack of content moderation and alleged criminal activity on the platform.
Numerous questions have been raised about the timing and circumstances of Durov’s detention.
Durov’s supporters, who see him as a freedom of speech champion, have slammed the arrest.
