The spokesman of the Kremlin, Dmitry Peskov, said that the case against the founder of "Telegram", Pavel Durov, should not turn into a "political persecution", reported Reuters, quoted by BTA .
The position was expressed after a French investigating judge officially opened an investigation against the Russian-born entrepreneur. Durov is suspected of running an online platform that allows illegal transactions, distribution of footage of child sexual abuse and drug trafficking. The founder of "Telegram" will also be investigated for money laundering after refusing to cooperate with judicial authorities.
Durov's lawyer stated that it is "completely absurd" to assume that the owner of a social network may be responsible for any criminal acts committed through it.
"I don't think we should continue to make any assessments now," Peskov told journalists. "The important thing is that what is happening in France does not become a political persecution," he added.
Peskov noted that Durov "is, after all, a French citizen" and "has everything necessary to organize his legal defense". "We, of course, consider him a Russian citizen and if necessary, according to our capabilities, we will be ready to provide assistance, as we would for any Russian citizen... We will see what happens next," ; the Kremlin spokesman concluded.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Durov's arrest was not politically motivated.