Ulyanov suggested that international figures with significant global influence should exercise caution when visiting countries perceived as increasingly authoritarian
Metro Morning report
MOSCOW: The Russian Foreign Ministry has expressed strong concerns over the recent detention of Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, by French authorities. The Russian Embassy in Paris has yet to establish contact with Durov’s representatives, but the embassy is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding his detention. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, has raised critical questions about the international community’s response to Durov’s situation.
In a statement, Zakharova drew attention to the stark contrast between international reactions to Durov’s detention and the Western criticism directed at Russia’s 2018 ban on Telegram. “The Paris decision to detain Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov raises a question whether international organizations will demand his release or will ‘swallow their tongues,’” Zakharova remarked, suggesting a potential inconsistency in the global response to issues of digital freedom and individual rights.
In Russia, the call for a swift resolution has been echoed by prominent figures. Lawmaker Vladislav Davankov has urged Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to address the situation, speculating that political motivations might be influencing Durov’s detention. Davankov has expressed concern that this move could jeopardize the privacy and security of Telegram users’ data and has emphasized the importance of diplomatic efforts to resolve the matter promptly.
Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s representative to international organizations in Vienna, has also voiced apprehensions on X (formerly Twitter). Ulyanov suggested that international figures with significant global influence should exercise caution when visiting countries perceived as increasingly authoritarian. His comments reflect broader concerns about the safety of global figures amid a polarized geopolitical landscape.
Reports have surfaced suggesting that Durov’s detention might be related to allegations of illegal content being distributed through Telegram. However, specific details regarding the charges or the legal basis for his detention remain unclear. Pavel Durov, who founded VK (VKontakte), a leading Russian social networking platform, left Russia in 2014 and has since acquired multiple citizenships. His substantial wealth, estimated at around $15 billion, and Telegram’s vast user base of 900 million monthly users highlight his significant role in the global digital arena.
The situation has raised broader concerns about the implications for freedom of speech and digital privacy, as well as the geopolitical dynamics affecting international tech figures. Russia remains vigilant and continues to seek clarification on the matter, underscoring the importance of consistent international standards for digital freedom and individual rights.
- #PavelDurov,
- #DigitalFreedom,
- #TelegramCEO,
- #FreeDurov,
- #PrivacyRights,
- #GlobalInfluence,
- #InternationalStandards,
- #TechDiplomacy,
- #GeopoliticalTensions,
- #FreedomOfSpeech,
