The Board of Directors of the Cyprus Journalists' Union has expressed concern over the series of criminal investigations involving journalist Makarios Drousiotis, noting that freedom of expression can be at risk when journalists face criminal prosecution.
"When a journalist is prosecuted criminally, the dangers lurking for freedom of expression are visible, tangible and foreseeable," the union said.
The organisation highlighted that within a short period Drousiotis has become the subject of three separate criminal investigations involving three different alleged offences.
Concerns over possible targeting
The union said it is closely monitoring developments and raised questions about whether perceptions that the journalist is being specifically targeted by the authorities are justified.
"The Board of Directors of the Cyprus Journalists' Union is following developments with intense concern and, together with the rest of Cypriot society, asks: Is the suspicion that this particular journalist is being targeted by the authorities reasonable or unreasonable?"
The statement stressed that the Cypriot justice system must ensure equal treatment under the law.
"The Cypriot justice system cannot strain at a gnat and swallow a camel, showing inexcusable negligence and delay in some cases while displaying excessive haste and urgency in others."
It added that the justice system has a duty to safeguard equality before the law.
Three separate cases
The union recalled that when criminal charges were first brought against Drousiotis in connection with the 'Sandy' case, its board examined the matter extensively but decided not to make a public statement because it believed this could be perceived as interference in judicial proceedings.
It noted that the decision attracted criticism at the time.
According to the statement, Drousiotis subsequently became involved in a second criminal case linked to his book Mafia State, followed shortly afterwards by a third investigation.
The union said the journalist is currently being investigated in relation to three different cases involving allegations of:
- Disseminating false news.
- Violating personal data legislation.
- Conducting an illegal fundraising campaign.
Justice open to scrutiny
The union emphasised that in a state governed by the rule of law, no citizen is above the law, but neither is the justice system beyond criticism.
"A citizen who breaks the law is prosecuted. A justice system that operates unevenly is judged."
The organisation reiterated that it will continue to monitor the case closely and will intervene publicly again if it considers it necessary.
"The Board of Directors of the Cyprus Journalists' Union will closely follow the outcome of the entire matter and will return to the issue whenever it considers it imperative."
