An online appeal launched by journalist, researcher and author Makarios Drousiotis to cover his legal costs has drawn the attention of the authorities after raising more than €44,000 in less than two days.
Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said police would be informed and asked to determine whether the campaign may involve a breach of legislation governing fundraising appeals.
How the legal question emerged
The issue surfaced on social media after a user cited the law governing fundraising and noted that a permit is required to conduct such an appeal.
Responding publicly, Ioannou said the legislation sets out a specific procedure for anyone wishing to raise money from the public.
Under that procedure, he said, the person concerned must submit an application to the competent Fundraising Committee. The application is then assessed before a decision is taken to approve or reject it, subject to specific conditions and the submission of supporting information.
Ioannou said instructions had been issued on Monday for a letter to be sent to the police, which he described as the competent authority, informing them of the case.
The recommendation, he added, was for police to investigate the “possible commission of a criminal offence under the fundraising legislation”.
The minister’s statement concerns the investigation of a possible breach and does not constitute a finding that an offence has occurred.
In a separate exchange, Ioannou was asked whether the same approach could apply to other forms of fundraising involving contributions from members of the public. He cautioned against drawing premature conclusions about the ministry’s actions and referred to his earlier statement.
More than €44,000 raised in under two days
The minister’s comments come as Drousiotis’ fundraising campaign continues to attract significant public support.
The appeal, titled “I Ask for Your Help to Defend the Truth”, is listed under the platform’s “Legal” category.
Drousiotis issued his public appeal on Monday, August 10, saying he faced particularly high costs as a result of the legal proceedings against him.
According to his public statements, he has been committed for trial before an Assize Court on 80 charges, which he says are connected to his reporting on the case involving the “Santis” messages. He rejects the charges and maintains that the prosecution is retaliatory.
Drousiotis has said the money raised will be used exclusively for his legal defence, independent forensic examinations and other court-related expenses. He has also pledged to publish aggregate information on the contributions received and how the funds are spent.
Following the Interior Ministry’s referral, the authorities will assess the legal status of the online campaign and determine whether any further action is warranted.
