CARACAS August 27. 2024 (Saba) - Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro stated on Monday that the arrest of Pavel Durov, the founder of the Telegram messaging app, aligns with a broader policy of maximum pressure and efforts to control alternative communication networks.
In his address at the 11th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Latin American Alliance (ALBA), Maduro condemned the arrest, calling it part of a global strategy of persecution and blackmail. He accused powerful entities of abusing their power to suppress and control alternative media platforms.
Durov was detained at Paris-Le Bourget Airport on August 24.
According to local media, Durov, who also holds French citizenship, had been on France’s wanted list. He faces a range of serious charges, including terrorism, drug trafficking, fraud, and money laundering, with the potential for a 20-year prison sentence in France.
French authorities have not yet provided cooperation details regarding Durov's case, according to the Russian embassy in France, as reported by Sputnik Agency.
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