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Kremlin demands that the case of Telegram boss Durov should not lead to political persecution

MOSCOW, Aug 29 (Reuters) – The Kremlin said on Thursday the case of Telegram founder Pavel Durov should not become a “political persecution” after a French judge opened an official investigation into the Russian-born technology entrepreneur.

The judge said he was suspected of complicity in operating an online platform that facilitated illegal transactions, child sexual abuse images and drug trafficking. He was also being investigated for alleged money laundering and refusing to cooperate with judicial authorities.
A lawyer for Durov said it was “completely absurd” to claim that the head of a social network was responsible for crimes committed on the platform.

“I don't think we should make any more judgments now,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. “We have already said that he is a French citizen and has everything he needs to organize his defense.”

“The main thing is that what is happening in France does not become a political persecution. We know that the French president has denied any connection (of the case) to politics, but on the other hand, certain accusations are being made. We will see what happens next.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said there was no political motive for Durov's detention.

Peskov also confirmed that Durov still holds Russian citizenship and said Moscow was ready to help him if necessary, as it would do with any Russian citizen.

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Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Alexander Marrow; Editing by Mark Trevelyan

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