In response to the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, the United Arab Emirates has made an important decision: it plans to conclude a contract to purchase fighter jets from France. The UAE Foreign Ministry has also asked the French government to immediately provide consular services to Durov and assist in his release from police custody following his surprise arrest on Saturday.
According to reports on August 28, the United Arab Emirates has taken further steps to ensure that Durov receives consular and other assistance, supporting his release from unconventional detention.
Are the UAE’s relations with France strained?
According to reports on August 28, the United Arab Emirates has taken further steps to ensure that Telegram CEO Pavel Durov receives consular and other assistance and supports his release from unconventional detention. This was likely due to the French government’s possible lack of support regarding the UAE government’s recent request.
In an unexpected turn in relations between the two countries, the UAE has put its order for 80 jets from France on hold. Serious questions are being raised about the future of bilateral relations between the two countries, as the media also reported a temporary halt in military cooperation between the UAE and France.
The UAE Ministry has also asked the French government to provide Durov with all necessary consular services to directly assist him in this matter and enable him to be released early from detention.
France is under international pressure
France is now under international pressure to release Pavel Durov. Tech executives, celebrities and politicians are putting pressure on France amid questions about controls on free speech and authoritarianism.
Russian officials have expressed outrage over Durov’s arrest, with some calling it politically motivated and proof of the West’s double standards when it comes to freedom of speech. The Russian foreign minister also stated that relations between Russia and France are at the “lowest” level following Durov’s arrest.
France’s president speaks of “a judicial investigation”
French President Emmanuel Macron has stated: “France is deeply committed to freedom of expression and communication, innovation and entrepreneurship.” However, he added: “In a state governed by the rule of law, freedoms are safeguarded both on social media and in real life within a legal framework to protect citizens and respect their fundamental rights.”
He also stated that Durov’s arrest on French soil was part of an ongoing judicial investigation and was in no way a political decision.
