Serious allegations published by journalist Makarios Drousiotis appear to have been circulating within legal circles for several years. Police are now seeking evidence to proceed, while calls intensify for an independent investigation beyond state mechanisms.
Allegations long known within legal circles
Some of the claims raised in the explosive allegations by journalist and author Makarios Drousiotis were already considered an open secret, particularly among judicial and legal circles. Further reporting by Politis, without adopting the substance of the claims, indicates that several legal professionals were aware of aspects of the case. Some are said to have seen or had knowledge of evidence referenced in Drousiotis’ article. According to sources, initial information began circulating around four years ago. At the time, the woman referenced in the allegations reportedly sought a way out of what was described as a dangerous situation, after receiving threats linked to information and evidence she allegedly possessed.
The same sources say she approached lawyers and presented parts of the material but did not proceed with a formal complaint. The material later reached additional individuals. In 2022, some lawyers reportedly attempted to brief the former President of the Republic, as the allegations were understood to concern key state institutions. The extent to which the matter was already known was reinforced by lawyer Laris Vrahimis, who stated in a social media post that the issues raised by Drousiotis had been known for at least five years.
Police investigation underway
The woman at the centre of the claims has not yet been located. Police have begun efforts to trace her in order to obtain testimony. Authorities are also awaiting Makarios Drousiotis to submit the evidence he claims to possess. A police source told Politis that the investigation is ongoing and will advance once the complainant provides a statement.
Regarding the authenticity of messages circulating in connection with the allegations, police say they have the technical capability to verify whether they are genuine. However, this requires access to the material that Drousiotis has indicated he is prepared to submit.
“They may regret it”
In a new post on social media, Makarios Drousiotis stated that he is willing to cooperate with any authority assigned to investigate the case, while issuing a warning.
“If their intention is to discredit the evidence once they receive it, they may regret asking for it,” he said.
He added that he had formally communicated his reservations to President Nikos Christodoulides. According to Drousiotis, proposals have been submitted for the appointment of a criminal investigator, while other respected legal figures have suggested bringing in investigators from abroad.
“I am awaiting the President’s response as to whether he will adopt proposals for an independent investigation, free from any suspicion of cover-up, or insist on an investigation by the police,” he said.
He reiterated that, despite his reservations, he will cooperate with whichever authority is assigned.
Presidential response
Speaking after a memorial service at the Imprisoned Graves on the anniversary of 1 April, President Nikos Christodoulides said the allegations are being treated with seriousness.
“I do not downplay or dismiss any claims or allegations. On the contrary, we approach what has been said with great seriousness,” he stated.
He confirmed that, following instructions from the Chief of Police and in coordination with the Justice Minister, Drousiotis has been invited to provide evidence to the police.
The President said that once the evidence is submitted, the Justice Minister will be formally briefed, followed by the Cabinet if necessary.
“All decisions will be taken based on the information provided,” he said, adding that preparatory work had already begun before the issue became public.
Responding to a question about the impact of such allegations, he acknowledged concern.
“As President of the Republic and guardian of the Constitution, this concerns me, particularly in relation to the consequences such phenomena may have for the future of democracy in our country and across Europe,” he said.
Calls for foreign investigators
At the same time, criminal lawyer Chris Triantafyllides called on the President to appoint foreign investigators to examine the case. In a public appeal, he described the allegations as too serious to be ignored or handled through standard procedures.
“Citizens are watching in disbelief what was once a powerful justice system in Cyprus appear to collapse before their eyes,” he said.
He urged that no investigators from Cyprus be appointed, stressing the need for a process that is fully independent and beyond any suspicion.