Journalist Makarios Drousiotis to submit evidence to police amidst controversy

Journalist and author Makarios Drousiotis has announced his intention to provide evidence to the Cyprus Police regarding allegations involving political figures, judiciary members, and businessmen. Following an initial contact by a senior police officer, Drousiotis stated he would cooperate but only in the presence of his lawyer. He cited previous negative experiences with law enforcement, specifically mentioning an altered investigation into a 2012 traffic accident in Limassol and the lack of results from a 2020 complaint regarding telecommunications data privacy. Drousiotis has requested that the President of the Republic appoint an independent criminal investigator, approved by the President of the Supreme Constitutional Court, to ensure impartiality. While the Police have publicly pressured Drousiotis to submit his findings without further delay to assist the ongoing investigation, he maintains that his past cooperation with the Anti-Corruption Authority proves he is not evading authorities. Former President Nicos Anastasiades and other involved parties have rejected the allegations, characterizing them as false or defamatory. Drousiotis insists that his concerns are legitimate and focus on the integrity of state institutions.