TF1 learned about the "red stamps" on Durov's requests to France

August 31, 2024 886

The red stamp "request rejected" is on many documents in Durov's dossier on granting citizenship. The French Foreign Ministry has complaints about the businessman's compliance with the requirements. Macron admitted responsibility for issuing him a passport.

Red stamps with the inscription "request rejected" were repeatedly placed on the documents of Telegram founder Pavel Durov for obtaining French citizenship, TF1 learned.

According to a TV channel source, the entrepreneur's candidacy for a French passport "did not meet any criteria."

Durov received citizenship three years ago, in August 2021, as an "honorary foreigner" who "contributes to the influence of France." The procedure for granting citizenship is launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but sometimes the process is initiated by the president or members of the government when it is beneficial to the country, Le Monde explained. According to the publication, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had complaints about issuing a passport to the businessman: Durov confirmed his command of the French language, but he was also required to prove that he was helping to increase the "influence of France."

However, then, in 2021, Telegram's refusal to cooperate with the EU authorities and questions about the moderation of the messenger had already caused criticism of Durov, the publication recalled. In addition, the businessman spoke unflatteringly about the decisions of the French leadership after the terrorist attacks in Paris and Saint-Denis in 2015.

"We made this decision in 2018, and I consider it completely justified. I think it is right to grant citizenship to outstanding businessmen, athletes, and artists," French President Emmanuel Macron said. He took responsibility for granting Durov citizenship and rejected the political nature of the claims against the founder of Telegram.

Macron met with Durov once or twice, sources told The Wall Street Journal, Le Monde and The Financial Times. According to the interlocutors, Macron offered Durov to move the Telegram headquarters to Paris, but was refused.

The French authorities suspect Durov of improperly moderating the messenger, believing that by doing so he contributed to the commission of crimes against children, drug distribution and fraud.

Telegram, after the detention of the founder of the messenger, said that he had "nothing to hide." "It is absurd to claim that the platform or its owner is responsible for its abuse," the company added.