Durov Expresses Greater Freedom in Russia While Criticizing French Authorities in Carlson Interview

Pavel Durov revealed in an interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson that he felt freer in Russia and criticized the authorities in France. Durov believes that the French government did everything possible to intimidate and humiliate him.

Durov expressed his hope that his arrest in France was not connected to his ethnic background. He stated this during his conversation with Carlson: «I hope this has nothing to do with my ethnicity.» When Carlson suggested that it likely was, Durov added, «If that’s the case, it is indeed concerning.»

«After my arrest, I was held in solitary confinement for four days without windows or bedding. The room was 7 square meters, devoid of windows, made of concrete blocks. There was a narrow bed with no bedding or pillow, just a thin mattress, almost like a yoga mat, perhaps one centimeter thick. The constantly flickering light was somewhat annoying. It appears that exceptions were made for my diet. I could do 200 push-ups and 200 squats in the morning and then repeat them. However, I had no access to a gym,» Durov disclosed.

He emphasized that he does not understand the charges brought against him by French authorities:

«At first, they claimed we allegedly didn’t respond to legal requests, but that’s false. Even if we had, such a characterization of ‘complicity’ is extremely far-fetched. Lawyers say there are almost no precedents.»

During his talk with Carlson, Durov shared that:

— The conditions during his four-day detention in a French prison were extremely harsh: a small room, lack of bedding, and a flickering bulb.
— His smartphone was confiscated during the arrest, and he was unable to contact his family.
— He was surprised to be arrested in France rather than Russia.
— Exceptions were made for his meals.
— He maintained his daily routine while in prison.
— Telegram does not censor political speech and guarantees complete confidentiality for its users.
— Telegram monetizes without using personal data of users.
— Many features found in modern messaging apps were first introduced in Telegram.
— Telegram is not a platform for criminals, despite accusations to the contrary.
— France should not take tech leaders hostage.
— The investigation in France hinders Durov’s ability to see his children and care for his family.
— He manages Telegram remotely, but it is less effective this way.
— Restrictions on movement and work seemed strange and unnecessary.
— The investigation could last several months or even a year.
— Durov compares the current situation to the USSR and the EU: criticism of the government is impossible in the EU, which creates conditions for tyranny, while Telegram allows people to express their opinions freely, provoking negative reactions.
— Telegram gives everyone the opportunity to voice their opinions, which is a form of freedom.
— He has not used a smartphone for almost a year, believing it to be distracting and detrimental to his personal life.
— Durov considers smartphones to be too unsafe, as governments can secretly monitor individuals through so-called zero-day exploits. He uses a smartphone twice a week to personally test Telegram updates; otherwise, he prefers a laptop or iPad for work and team communication.
— Durov hopes to return to Dubai later this year. He spent eight months in France and scored 97 points on his French language exam. In the future, he plans to travel and does not intend to stay in France permanently.

In April 2024, Durov discussed the development of Telegram with Tucker Carlson, sharing insights about his life, bureaucracy in various countries, the influence of intelligence agencies, and the future of the Telegram project.

On August 24, 2024, Pavel Durov was arrested at Paris–Le Bourget Airport. The arrest warrant was issued due to Durov’s failure to cooperate with French authorities, which allegedly made him an accomplice in drug trafficking and other serious crimes. Durov is a French citizen and is not subject to extradition. During his interrogation in Paris, Durov stated that he maintained contacts with representatives of the French General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI, counterintelligence). In his interrogation in France, Durov explained that he does not pay himself a salary and earns only one Emirati dirham (around 25 rubles, less than 25 euro cents) in a year. In December of the previous year, during interrogations, Durov promised investigators in France to improve Telegram’s moderation.

The ban on Durov’s departure from France, the confiscation of all passports during the trial, and the bail requirements resulted from ongoing legal proceedings related to his actions as head of Telegram and legal issues. The measures were also intended by the French prosecutor’s office to ensure compliance with obligations and to prevent any attempts by Durov to evade justice.

On August 28, 2024, based on materials from the Paris prosecutor’s office, a French investigative judge placed Durov under judicial supervision and released him on a bail of 5 million euros. Durov was prohibited from leaving France until the completion of the judicial process. It was expected that the investigation against Durov could take several months.

In May 2025, Durov, during a speech at the Oslo Freedom Forum 2025, organized by the Human Rights Foundation*, stated: «I am Russian, and I would rather die than become someone’s asset.» This was in response to a question about whether he is a «Russian asset.» Durov emphasized his independence and commitment to freedom principles. Previously, a French court (a criminal case against Durov has been initiated in France, where he is currently under judicial supervision) denied Durov access to this human rights event. He participated in the HRF event via video link.

According to Durov, people who make such claims about him being a “Russian asset” have a superficial understanding of his role and the contributions of VK and Telegram to protecting freedom of speech, expression, assembly, and privacy in Eastern Europe.

* — the international organization Human Rights House Foundation is recognized as undesirable in the territory of the Russian Federation.