The Kremlin called on France to ensure that the criminal case against Pavel Durov is not used as a pretext for political persecution.
Russia, which has led an unprecedented crackdown on political opponents during its Ukraine offensive, has painted Durov’s surprise arrest in Paris earlier this week as politically motivated
Russia, which has been criticized for its severe crackdown on political opponents during the Ukraine offensive, has characterized Durov’s surprise arrest in Paris as a political maneuver.
“The main thing is for what is happening in France not to run into political persecution,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
“Of course, we consider him a Russian citizen and as much as possible, we will be ready to provide assistance, we will be watching what happens next.” he added.
Durov was granted conditional release against a bail of five million euros on the condition he must report to a police station twice a week as well as remain in France, French prosecutors said.
Meanwhile, French President, Emmanuel Macron, denied the arrest was politically motivated.
Telegram is one of Russia’s most popular messaging apps.
Russian officials have rushed to defend Durov since he was arrested last weekend at a Paris airport.
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