France cannot extradite its own citizens to third countries because its law prohibits such transfers, French lawyer Philippe de Veulle told TASS, commenting on Russia’s terrorism-related charges against Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov. However, a domestic criminal investigation may be opened if the offense is also punishable under French law," de Veulle said. French prosecutors and judicial authorities would examine, in particular, whether the alleged offense constitutes a crime under French law. According to de Veulle, if French authorities conclude that the case is politically motivated or that the alleged conduct does not constitute a crime under French law, they may decline to take further action, including detaining the individual. "It is up to the French prosecution authorities to decide what action will be taken within the country," he said.