Police investigation into Drousiotis’ allegations ongoing
The round of statements has begun regarding the serious claims and allegations published by Makarios Drousiotis in a social media post. Several other individuals who may have information relevant to the case have also visited Police Headquarters. However, investigators are primarily awaiting Drousiotis’s full statement and, crucially, the material he has said he intends to submit to whichever investigative authority handles the case.
After two visits by Drousiotis to the police – one late Thursday afternoon and one on Friday morning – he stated that he had handed over material enabling the police “to begin investigating the essence of the case”. Earlier, however, Justice Minister Costas Fitiris said that, according to information from the Chief of Police, Drousiotis had so far limited himself to questions and suggestions about procedure and had not yet submitted evidence. The Minister added that the authorities are awaiting the material so that the Chief of Police and the investigative team may begin taking his formal statement. Asked when the evidence will be submitted, he said no answer had been given and that Drousiotis “will return”.
Responding to these remarks, Makarios Drousiotis wrote on his social media page that “there has been absolutely no hesitation or delay in providing evidence.” He added: “I arrived at the meeting with a voluminous file. I explained to the investigators the type of evidentiary material I possess and gave them specific material for immediate use.” He said that after consultation with the investigators, “it was agreed that the quickest, most practical and most effective way to expedite the investigation is for a written analysis of the evidentiary material to be prepared. I am already working on this. I will hand over my statement as soon as possible so that the Cabinet may be informed and immediately appoint independent criminal investigators.”
Earlier, departing from the Police Academy – where the meeting with investigators had been held, rather than at Police Headquarters – Drousiotis, accompanied by his lawyer Lito Kariolou, said: “We had a first meeting; we will continue. This is the beginning of a long process. The die has been cast.”
Until Drousiotis submits his evidence, the special investigative team is attempting to “find the thread” of the case through other avenues.
According to a police source speaking to Politis, investigators already have the full details of the person referenced in Drousiotis’s statements as “Sandy”, through whom he claims to have obtained most of the material in question. Efforts are being made to persuade her to give a statement, despite her refusal conveyed through her lawyer.
Complaints filed against Drousiotis
Meanwhile, a second “front” opened by Drousiotis’s allegations saw individuals he named appear at the Nicosia CID yesterday to file formal complaints against him.
Former MEP Demetris Papadakis, speaking after filing his complaint, said: “Since Drousiotis claims that what he has published exists in electronic form, it is easy to verify. I expect the police to seize his devices promptly and proceed with the examination.” He argued that the case is easy to solve and that in the coming days the expert who examined his own devices will testify and hand over his findings to the police. Similar complaints were filed by Michalis Christodoulou and Morfakis Solomonidis.
Foreign investigator not ruled out
Justice Minister Costas Fitiris left open the possibility of seeking assistance from a foreign expert in relation to Drousiotis’s allegations, stressing, however, that “we must not bypass the institutions, but support and improve them”.
The Minister said the police are currently collecting information in order to form an initial assessment. He will then be briefed by the police and will update the Cabinet, which will decide the next steps.
He explained that police have already launched an ex officio investigation into Drousiotis’ allegation of the alleged rape of a minor by a specific individual. At the same time, he said, a second police team is examining the complaints filed by Michalakis Christodoulou and Demetris Papadakis against Drousiotis.
Fitiris declined to answer whether a separate procedure exists for recusing the Attorney‑General due to his name being mentioned in the allegations, saying he could not comment before the Cabinet examines the matter.
Attorney‑General: “I will speak after the investigation”
“It is not the right time for me to make any statement on a matter for which an ex officio investigation is being conducted by the Chief of Police,” the Attorney‑General said yesterday regarding Drousiotis’s allegations.
Asked whether Drousiotis’s references to him undermine the institution of the Attorney‑General, Georgios Savvides responded by questioning whether the institution is undermined because “someone claims that I sent a message calling someone ‘my friend’, without us yet knowing whether these messages are genuine or not.”
He added that the police are fully capable of conducting the investigation because “they have the appropriate investigative personnel, the appropriate laboratory facilities, and the necessary connections if specialised examination of any document or object is required.”
Asked about the authenticity of the messages, the Attorney‑General urged journalists to respect the fact that “when there is an ongoing investigation, no one should make statements – especially not myself.” Once the investigation is completed, he said, “I will be in a position to answer all your questions.”