Lawyer Nikos Clerides made grave allegations to CNA over the way the investigation into the ‘Sandy’ messages is being conducted, speaking of pressure, high‑level collusion and institutional interference that, he claims, is distorting the course of the inquiry. At the same time, he said he has no confidence in the Cypriot authorities and is calling for the matter to be investigated by an independent body abroad. He also did not rule out his own life being in danger.
‘Retraction out of fear and on instructions’
According to Clerides, the turning point in the case has been the stance taken by ‘Sandy’ herself, who is reported to have fully retracted her original allegations.
“She went and testified that everything is fake and of her own making,” he said, claiming the reversal was not spontaneous but the result of pressure.
“She withdrew everything because she is afraid and because she received instructions from elsewhere. Those who understand, understand,” he added.
Clerides also raised serious questions about the procedure followed, revealing that the very police team handling the case “does not even know where Sandy gave her statement”.
“Is this possible? Not knowing whether she testified or where? All this shows collusion,” he said.
No trust in the authorities
Clerides said he never trusted the authorities with the case in the first place, explaining why the matter was not referred to police earlier.
“What I expected has happened,” he said, adding that the public release of information without coordination “created chaos” and that control of the situation now lies “with the shadow state”.
He also said he gave a seven‑hour statement, handing over all the SMS messages in his possession.
Distancing himself from ‘Sandy’
As far as his personal stance towards the woman at the centre of the case is concerned, Clerides said he will no longer consider her his client if it is confirmed that she retracted her claims and admitted fabricating the messages.
“I am not speaking on her behalf. I am speaking as a witness who has testified and placed before the competent authorities what I know. If what has allegedly been leaked by the Police is true – that she gave a statement, withdrew everything and said she forged the messages herself – then clearly I do not represent her,” he said.
Clerides also commented on the direction of the investigation, arguing that its focus has shifted. “They are trying,” he claimed, “to secure a conviction against Drousiotis or against me.”
He also asked why, if ‘Sandy’ claims the material was fabricated, “she was not arrested to be properly questioned”.
“Not even the best scriptwriter…”
Clerides placed particular emphasis on the content of the messages, insisting on their authenticity.
“There are so many of them, and they are written in such a way, that not even the best scriptwriter, with ten Oscars, could have fabricated them,” he said.
Responding to a related question, he acknowledged the legal obstacles, noting that the material was obtained unlawfully and cannot be used in court as such, though it can lead to further investigations.
“First of all,” he explained, “it is the product of interception, therefore illegally obtained evidence. If she gives testimony and points to certain matters, then there may be a possibility. We can compare this to the Al Jazeera case, where evidence was illegally obtained, yet the information contained in the video led to investigations and criminal prosecutions. Illegally obtained evidence cannot be used directly, but information derived from such material can lead to investigations and potentially to prosecutions, as long as it is confirmed through lawful means.”
Paedophilia allegations: “Without her testimony, it goes nowhere”
Regarding the allegations of paedophilia, Clerides said the case cannot be substantiated without ‘Sandy’ herself as a witness.
“The only way is for her to testify as the complainant. The messages alone cannot substantiate a case,” he said.
Fears for his life
Concluding, Clerides expressed deep concern for his personal safety, saying he feels at risk.
“I feel I am in danger. I am a perfectly healthy person and I hope it will not be said that I committed suicide or something similar,” he said.
Source: CNA