PARIS, Aug 30 : The French Defence Ministry has dismissed as disinformation claims circulating on social media that the United Arab Emirates canceled its order for 80 Rafale fighter jets due to the detention of Telegram messenger founder Pavel Durov, French broadcaster BFMTV reported on Friday, citing the ministry.
The ministry did not specify who exactly spread the disinformation.
Earlier in the week, information appeared on the X social network that the UAE had completely frozen the $10 billion contract to buy 80 Rafale fighter jets from France following Durov’s arrest.
French aerospace company Dassault Aviation signed a contract in 2021 to supply the UAE with 80 Rafale fighter jets, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027. On Thursday, a spokesperson for the UAE Foreign Ministry told Sputnik that the UAE was in contact with French authorities and representatives of Durov, who is a citizen of this country.
Durov was detained at Paris Le Bourget Airport on August 24. The businessman’s detention sparked widespread public criticism in many countries. Durov is suspected in France of 10 offenses and criminal activities, including complicity in administering an online platform for the purpose of conducting illegal transactions by an organised group. He could face up to 10 years in prison. No official charges have been filed against him yet.
On Wednesday evening, Durov was released on a 5 million euro ($5.5 million) bail, which he must post soon. He is not allowed to leave French territory and must report to the police twice a week. (UNI)
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