Journalist Makarios Drousiotis was questioned by the Criminal Investigation Department at Police Headquarters on Thursday as part of an investigation relating to his book Mafia State and a possible breach of personal data legislation, police have confirmed.
Police spokesman Vyronas Vyronos told CNA on Friday that a statement had been taken from Drousiotis in connection with the investigation.
Drousiotis criticises investigation
In a social media post published on Thursday, Drousiotis said he had been called in to provide a statement concerning what he described as an alleged violation of legislation governing the Cyprus Intelligence Service (KYP) and personal data protection laws.
He argued that, to his knowledge, this was the first time legislation relating to the intelligence service had been used in a criminal investigation involving a journalist.
Drousiotis described the case as an example of "using national security as a weapon against journalism".
Questions about the book
According to Drousiotis, investigators asked him who had knowledge of the contents of Mafia State prior to its publication, how he obtained information contained in the book and what role the book's editor and designer had played in its production.
He said he was also asked to comment on the covers of the two editions of the publication.
Drousiotis further claimed that investigators questioned him on whether he had received "any authorisation from a competent authority" for the publication of his books.
Third investigation in a month, says Drousiotis
The journalist also linked the timing of the complaint to a recent announcement by the Independent Authority Against Corruption concerning Mafia State.
He claimed that the investigation is the third criminal inquiry involving him within the past month.
Police have confirmed only that a statement was taken as part of an investigation relating to a possible breach of personal data legislation connected to the book.
Source: CNA
