Detention of Telegram CEO Extended in France; Macron: Durov's Arrest is Not 'Political'

French prosecutors on Monday extended the detention of Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder and CEO of the messaging app Telegram. This news was reported by a source close to the case to Agence France-Presse. Pavel Durov, a 39-year-old Russian billionaire, was arrested on Saturday in France due to alleged charges related to the Telegram messaging app. He is being interrogated for alleged crimes including fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, promoting terrorism, and failing to prevent criminal use of this social networking platform. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized on Monday that Durov's arrest is by no means a political decision. He stated that the judges responsible for the case will be the final decision-makers. Macron wrote on his X social media account: 'The arrest of the Telegram CEO in France occurred within the framework of ongoing judicial investigations.' He also mentioned that he has read 'misinformation' regarding France's role in this case. Afsaneh Khakpour: The founder of Telegram is in temporary detention but has access to his lawyers. Telegram's response to the arrest of its founder in France: Durov has nothing to hide. French media: Pavel Durov may be charged with terrorism, money laundering, and drug trafficking. The CEO of Telegram: User privacy is not for sale.