French authorities to issue statement on Pavel Durov’s detention

Update 7:15 am UTC: Added info about the extension of the detention period of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France.

French authorities have extended the detention of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov following his arrest in Paris over alleged offenses related to the Telegram messaging app in Europe.

The magistrate investigating Durov’s case in France extended the CEO’s arrest beyond Sunday, Aug. 25, local news agency AFP reported on Aug. 26.

This initial period of detention for questioning can last up to a maximum of 96 hours, the report said, citing a source close to the investigation. Upon the end of this detention phase, the judge can then decide to free Durov or press charges and remand in further custody.

Following the extension, French authorities are reportedly scheduled to issue a statement on Durov’s detention on Monday, Aug. 26.

The outspoken billionaire was reportedly detained at an airport outside of Paris on Aug. 24 by French authorities. While initial reports indicated he’d been arrested on a litany of charges related to the Telegram messaging app’s lack of moderation, as of Aug. 25, there appears to be no official confirmation that Durov has been placed under arrest or charged with crimes.

According to a report from The Washington Post, authorities in Paris have confirmed that Durov has been “detained,” and a statement will be issued on Monday, Aug. 26.

In the wake of Durov’s detention, the Russian embassy has reportedly reached out to French authorities and requested access to Durov as well as clarification concerning the details surrounding his detention.

According to The Washington Post, an embassy spokesperson posted on Telegram on Aug. 25 that “as of today, the French side has so far avoided cooperation on this issue.”

Social media is rife with messages of support and calls to “Free Durov,” as well as myriad theories as to exactly why the French government targeted the billionaire. Even X owner Elon Musk weighed in. Musk posted an earlier interview with Durov with the hashtag “FreeDurov” and reposted multiple supportive messages over several hours.

Telegram issued an official statement on Aug. 25:

Related: Will Telegram-linked Toncoin bounce back after Pavel Durov’s arrest?

Additional reporting by Helen Partz.