Pavel Durov accuses Macron’s France of undermining judicial independence

Pavel Durov has sharply criticised the political system in France under President Emmanuel Macron, arguing that prosecutors and judicial police are not independent.

According to the Telegram founder, French authorities are using criminal investigations as a tool to suppress freedom of speech and the right to privacy.

Durov also pointed to the fact that the U.S. Department of Justice declined to assist French authorities in a case involving Elon Musk, reportedly describing it as “politically motivated”:

“The French prosecutor’s office claims to be independent, but that is untrue: French prosecutors are hired, fired, and promoted by the government. The judicial police — who provide often misleading reports to investigative judges — are also controlled by the government,” Durov said.

He added that he is facing a similar investigation in France:

“Over a dozen charges, each carrying up to 10 years in prison. Proud to stand alongside Elon Musk and others targeted by Macron's campaign against digital rights. In Macron’s France, being investigated is the new Légion d’honneur.🎖”