Telegram founder Pavel Durov has voiced strong criticism against the French government, asserting that the ongoing legal case against him is baseless and politically motivated. Durov's statements come a year after his arrest in France, which sparked widespread condemnation from the crypto community, human rights groups, and free speech activists.

Durov was arrested on August 24, 2024, at Paris–Le Bourget Airport as part of a preliminary investigation by the French National Judicial Police. Subsequently, he was indicted on twelve charges, including complicity in the distribution of child exploitation material and drug trafficking, and was placed under judicial supervision, barring him from leaving France. These charges stem from allegations that Telegram, due to its lack of moderation and the use of disposable numbers and cryptocurrencies, has become a breeding ground for fraud and other criminal activity. If convicted, Durov could face up to 20 years in prison.

Durov has consistently maintained his innocence, arguing that it is "legally and logically absurd" to hold a tech executive accountable for the actions of independent users. He emphasized that Telegram's content moderation practices align with industry standards and that the platform has always responded to legally binding requests from France. Despite this, he is still required to return to France every 14 days for court appearances, with no appeal date set.

In a recent Telegram post, Durov stated that the criminal investigation against him is "struggling to find anything that I or Telegram did wrong". He also warned that the actions of the French government have caused "irreparable damage" to France's image as a free country. Durov's arrest has been described as "unprecedented" by experts, with some accusing the French government of pressuring him to censor the platform.

French President Emmanuel Macron has denied that Durov's arrest was politically motivated, stating that the government upholds the rule of law to protect citizens and their fundamental rights. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism and criticism. Some have questioned why Macron himself is not held accountable for failing to control all crime in France.

Durov has previously criticized French authorities for hindering freedom of speech and technological advancement. In July 2025, he condemned the French authorities' approach to regulating internet companies, stating that "French bureaucrats are waging a crusade against free speech and tech progress". He warned that relying on criminal investigations instead of clear and consistent regulatory frameworks risks deterring investment and could severely damage the country's economic growth for decades.

The case has sparked international debate about free speech, platform responsibility, and user privacy. Durov has made it clear that Telegram would rather exit a market than comply with regulations that violate its ethical principles regarding privacy. He has stated that the company is "prepared to leave markets that aren't compatible with our principles," emphasizing Telegram's commitment to privacy and free speech.