07:35Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticised the global reaction to the detention of Telegram founder Pavel Durov, describing it as "shocking" and unprecedented. Speaking at a briefing in Moscow on Wednesday, Zakharova suggested that Western countries would have reacted hysterically if a similar situation had occurred involving a member of the Global South.
Zakharova emphasised that Russia's response was necessary due to the detention of a Russian citizen but claimed that the broader global reaction was particularly intense. She pointed out that similar actions by other countries often referred to as the Global South, had not elicited such reactions from Western governments. "When exactly the same actions were taken by other countries, no matter what we call them - the Global South or the world majority - official Paris [government] was first to become hysterical," she said.
Zakharova also noted that Russian diplomats in Paris were fulfilling their duties regarding Durov's detention. "We immediately emphasised that we understand the practice that exists in France," she said, referring to France's usual treatment of detainees based on their citizenship.
Dmitri Peskov, the Russian Presidential spokesperson, previously indicated that without substantial evidence, the accusations against Durov could be seen as intimidation. Peskov confirmed that Russia would provide all necessary assistance to Durov.
Durov was detained at Le Bourget airport in France on August 24. French authorities held him in connection with an investigation into child pornography, drug trafficking, and financial transactions. Durov holds citizenship in Russia, France, the UAE, and St Kitts and Nevis. French President Emmanuel Macron has denied that the detention was politically motivated.
Telegram has defended Durov, asserting that the CEO has "nothing to hide" and that the platform’s moderation is within industry standards. The company, which has approximately one billion users, labelled the claims against it as absurd. Russia and the UAE have called on France to ensure Durov receives consular support.
If Global South did that, France would be hysterical - Zakharova says Telegram founder Durov's detention 'shocked the world'
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticised the global reaction to the detention of Telegram founder Pavel Durov, describing it as "shocking" and unprecedented. Speaking at a briefing in Moscow on Wednesday, Zakharova suggested that Western countries would have reacted hysterically if a similar situation had occurred involving a member of the Global South.
Zakharova emphasised that Russia's response was necessary due to the detention of a Russian citizen but claimed that the broader global reaction was particularly intense. She pointed out that similar actions by other countries often referred to as the Global South, had not elicited such reactions from Western governments. "When exactly the same actions were taken by other countries, no matter what we call them - the Global South or the world majority - official Paris [government] was first to become hysterical," she said.
Zakharova also noted that Russian diplomats in Paris were fulfilling their duties regarding Durov's detention. "We immediately emphasised that we understand the practice that exists in France," she said, referring to France's usual treatment of detainees based on their citizenship.
Dmitri Peskov, the Russian Presidential spokesperson, previously indicated that without substantial evidence, the accusations against Durov could be seen as intimidation. Peskov confirmed that Russia would provide all necessary assistance to Durov.
Durov was detained at Le Bourget airport in France on August 24. French authorities held him in connection with an investigation into child pornography, drug trafficking, and financial transactions. Durov holds citizenship in Russia, France, the UAE, and St Kitts and Nevis. French President Emmanuel Macron has denied that the detention was politically motivated.
Telegram has defended Durov, asserting that the CEO has "nothing to hide" and that the platform’s moderation is within industry standards. The company, which has approximately one billion users, labelled the claims against it as absurd. Russia and the UAE have called on France to ensure Durov receives consular support.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticised the global reaction to the detention of Telegram founder Pavel Durov, describing it as "shocking" and unprecedented. Speaking at a briefing in Moscow on Wednesday, Zakharova suggested that Western countries would have reacted hysterically if a similar situation had occurred involving a member of the Global South.
Zakharova emphasised that Russia's response was necessary due to the detention of a Russian citizen but claimed that the broader global reaction was particularly intense. She pointed out that similar actions by other countries often referred to as the Global South, had not elicited such reactions from Western governments. "When exactly the same actions were taken by other countries, no matter what we call them - the Global South or the world majority - official Paris [government] was first to become hysterical," she said.
Zakharova also noted that Russian diplomats in Paris were fulfilling their duties regarding Durov's detention. "We immediately emphasised that we understand the practice that exists in France," she said, referring to France's usual treatment of detainees based on their citizenship.
Dmitri Peskov, the Russian Presidential spokesperson, previously indicated that without substantial evidence, the accusations against Durov could be seen as intimidation. Peskov confirmed that Russia would provide all necessary assistance to Durov.
Durov was detained at Le Bourget airport in France on August 24. French authorities held him in connection with an investigation into child pornography, drug trafficking, and financial transactions. Durov holds citizenship in Russia, France, the UAE, and St Kitts and Nevis. French President Emmanuel Macron has denied that the detention was politically motivated.
Telegram has defended Durov, asserting that the CEO has "nothing to hide" and that the platform’s moderation is within industry standards. The company, which has approximately one billion users, labelled the claims against it as absurd. Russia and the UAE have called on France to ensure Durov receives consular support.