France’s Macron denies Pavel Durov arrest was political

French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a statement on social media calling the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov “in no way a political decision.”

In an Aug. 26 X post, President Macron said Durov’s arrest on Aug. 24 at an airport outside Paris was “part of an ongoing judicial investigation” into the Telegram founder. The French president said his statement was in response to “false information” being spread on X regarding alleged violations against free speech.

Since Durov’s arrest, many have speculated on social media about potential charges. On Aug. 25, Telegram issued a statement expressing its support for its founder and hope for a quick resolution.