French media deny the news about the alleged cancellation, by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), of the purchase of 80 Rafale fighters, in apparent protest against the arrest of Telegram’s founder in Paris
Durov, was placed under formal investigation following his arrest as part of an inquiry into organized crime using the messaging and social networking app. The alleged offenses including:
- Complicity in the administration of an online platform to enable illicit transactions by an organized gang.
- Refusal to communicate with authorities.
- Complicity in the organized criminal distribution of sexual images of children.
This fact generates enough controversy in itself. However, on Telegram the situation escalated when the rumor began to circulate that the UAE, in apparent support of Russia’s actions and in defense of tech entrepreneur Pavel Durov (who also holds Emirati citizenship), had decided to suspend the purchase of French fighter jets, a deal that would represent a multi-billion dollar loss for Paris.
However, the alleged video by the Qatari news network Al Jazeera claiming that the United Arab Emirates had frozen the mega-contract for the purchase of 80 Dassault Rafale fighters is false, according to the French press.
French reporters say the video in question began circulating from the social networks of individuals and entities that help shape and circulate the pro-Russian narrative, as part of a disinformation campaign.
#UAE 🇦🇪 has completely FROZEN the contract to purchase 80 #Rafale worth $10B from #France following the arrest of #Pavel_Durov#Telegram founder Pavel Durov reportedly told police he was scheduled to have dinner with #Macron on the day he was arrested, according to the… pic.twitter.com/h0LrVkBCkV
— GeoTechWar (@geotechwar) August 28, 2024
In short, on Al Jazeera’s website or social networks, you will not find the published video, which would be a fabrication, and the deal for the Rafale fighters still stands. The only official reaction from Abu Dhabi is a statement in which they warn that they will follow closely the case of the arrest of the Emirati citizen Pavel Durov and that they submitted a request to the French government to provide him with all consular services as a matter of urgency.
The alleged cancellation of the contract for the Rafale fighters, in response to the arrest of Pavel Durov, reveals a deep gap between the narrative circulating on social media and the reality of international relations. The decision to acquire a weapons system as sophisticated as the Rafale is not taken lightly, and its cancellation would have significant geopolitical and economic consequences for the UAE and France. Ultimately, Emirati foreign policy has a long history of prudent, rational and moderate management, far removed from the impulsiveness attributed by this fake news.
