: It appears President Emmanuel Macron is feeling the pressure after French authorities arrested Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov over the weekend. The prosecutor’s office has since said his detention may last until Aug.28.

Several prominent tech entrepreneurs and public figures – for example Elon Musk – have decried the move as selective persecution against a known advocate of free speech. In a rare move Macron weighed in directly on Monday, claiming it has nothing to do with his government and that Durov’s arrest and ongoing detention is not politically motivated.

Macron said Monday, “The arrest of Telegram’s president on French territory took place as part of an ongoing judicial investigation. This is in no way a political decision. It is up to the judges to decide.” Macron further condemned what he called “false information” surrounding the case.