Certainly puts the French government and Foreign Ministry in a curious spot. Were they the ones to ask Britain to intervene? What is a publisher doing on a counterterrorism watchlist? Are we to assume the worst that Britain is impinging on freedom of speech or just merely abusing a statute like the US and the Patriot Act?
I can see it working well politically for Macron to call for his release as a demonstration of civility and liberal virtue. However, before he swoops in, I suspect there is more to the story.
The UK has never really had much in the way of clear civil liberties. And there is a clear pattern now of demanding unfetted access to electronic equipment from victim, alleged perpetrators and anyone they want.
But why is the UK suddenly overzealously engaging with any EU process it can? It's insecurity given Brexit.
Importantly France could have nabbed him on exit or entry. Or requested extradition it did not.
I can see it working well politically for Macron to call for his release as a demonstration of civility and liberal virtue. However, before he swoops in, I suspect there is more to the story.