UAE 'closely following' arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov in France

The UAE said it was closely following the case of Telegram founder Pavel Durov, who was arrested in France at the weekend.

The billionaire Russian-French founder of the Telegram messaging app was arrested on his private jet at an airport on the outskirts of Paris on Saturday.

Mr Durov was the subject of a warrant for his arrest in France as part of a preliminary police investigation.

The detention of the entrepreneur, who holds dual UAE-French citizenship and is based in Dubai, is said to be linked to an alleged lack of moderators on Telegram, which French law officials reportedly claimed could enable undeterred criminal activity.

The UAE has submitted a request to the government of the French Republic to provide Mr Durov with all the necessary consular services in an urgent manner, state news agency Wam reported.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that prioritising the welfare of UAE citizens, safeguarding their interests, and providing them with all aspects of support is a key priority for the UAE," Wam stated.

Following his arrest, Telegram released a statement saying Mr Durov had “nothing to hide and frequently travels in Europe”, and that Telegram “abides by EU laws, including the Digital Services Act”.

The app said its moderation is “within industry standards and constantly improving”.

“It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform,” said the Dubai-based tech company.

A magistrate must decide by Wednesday evening whether to press charges, release Mr Durov without charge or name him as a witness in the investigation.

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

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Five hymns the crowds can join in

Papal Mass will begin at 10.30am at the Zayed Sports City Stadium on Tuesday

Some 17 hymns will be sung by a 120-strong UAE choir

Five hymns will be rehearsed with crowds on Tuesday morning before the Pope arrives at stadium

‘Christ be our Light’ as the entrance song

‘All that I am’ for the offertory or during the symbolic offering of gifts at the altar

‘Make me a Channel of your Peace’ and ‘Soul of my Saviour’ for the communion

‘Tell out my Soul’ as the final hymn after the blessings from the Pope

The choir will also sing the hymn ‘Legions of Heaven’ in Arabic as ‘Assakiroo Sama’

There are 15 Arabic speakers from Syria, Lebanon and Jordan in the choir that comprises residents from the Philippines, India, France, Italy, America, Netherlands, Armenia and Indonesia

The choir will be accompanied by a brass ensemble and an organ

They will practice for the first time at the stadium on the eve of the public mass on Monday evening