Telegram CEO Pavel Durov's Arrest Sparks Political Tensions

Pavel Durov, Telegram's CEO, was arrested in France, accused of hosting illicit activities on the platform. Russian authorities view this as a political move. French President Emmanuel Macron denies any political motives behind the arrest, which has strained Moscow-Paris relations.

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was arrested in France for allegedly facilitating illicit activities on his social media platform, drawing attention to his freewheeling approach to platform management.

A French judge has formally placed the Russian-born entrepreneur under investigation for suspected complicity in illegal activities, including child sex abuse, drug trafficking, and fraud. Durov's lawyer dismissed these allegations as 'absurd,' arguing that the platform cannot be held accountable for users' actions.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov have suggested the arrest is part of a Western political strategy against Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron refuted any political motives, but the case continues to strain diplomatic relations between Paris and Moscow.

(With inputs from agencies.)