Telegram's Pavel Durov avoids jail with €5 million bail, restricted to France

Telegram's Durov on bail: Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, has been placed under formal investigation by a French judge as part of an inquiry into organized crime activities on the messaging app. 

To avoid pretrial detention, Durov is required to pay a €5 million bail, report to the police twice a week, and remain within French territory.

This decision follows Durov's arrest at an airport near Paris four days ago.

The arrest of Durov has recently intensified into a complex international issue involving legal and diplomatic maneuvering across several countries. 

Durov, who holds Emirati, French, and Russian citizenships, was detained by French authorities at Bourget Airport near Paris on charges related to the alleged misuse of Telegram for illegal activities, including child sex abuse, drug trafficking, and fraudulent transactions.

Being under formal investigation in France means that while Durov is not presumed guilty, the authorities believe there is sufficient reason to continue the investigation. Such probes can be prolonged and may end in a trial or be dismissed.

Durov's case has brought attention to the accountability of messaging platforms and sparked a debate on the limits of free speech versus legal enforcement.

Telegram, known for its role in global communications and conflicts such as the one in Ukraine, has faced scrutiny for its content moderation practices, leading to legal challenges worldwide. 

As legal proceedings progress, the case remains a critical point in international relations, impacting discussions on digital privacy, free speech, and the regulation of online platforms.