Kremlin Defends Telegram's Pavel Durov Against Political Persecution

The Kremlin has expressed concerns over possible political persecution after a French judge placed Telegram founder Pavel Durov under formal investigation. He is suspected of complicity in illicit activities on his platform, including child sex abuse, drug trafficking, money laundering, and non-cooperation with authorities. Durov's lawyer calls the accusations absurd.

The Kremlin on Thursday issued a statement urging that the ongoing case involving Telegram founder Pavel Durov not turn into political persecution. The Russian-born tech entrepreneur was placed under formal investigation by a French judge.

Durov, who is accused of complicity in facilitating an online platform for illicit transactions, images of child sex abuse, and drug trafficking, also faces allegations of money laundering and refusing to cooperate with judicial authorities.

A lawyer representing Durov dismissed the charges as "totally absurd," arguing that it is unfair to hold the head of a social network responsible for criminal activities occurring on the platform.

(With inputs from agencies.)