Makarios Drousiotis has described his referral to the Nicosia Criminal Court as a “retaliatory process”, claiming the case is connected to matters examined as part of the so-called “Mafia State” investigation.
Speaking after he and Kyriaki Kyriakou, known as “Sandy”, appeared in court on Wednesday, Drousiotis argued that the proceedings against them were politically motivated.
Claims of retaliation
Drousiotis said he believes the case is tied to allegations that were examined by the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority and are now the subject of ongoing criminal investigations.
“We consider this to be a retaliatory process linked to the ‘Mafia State’ matter, which was investigated by the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority and for which criminal investigations are currently under way,” he said.
He argued that rather than being treated as a witness in matters connected to those investigations, he is instead being prosecuted through what he described as an abusive procedure.
Challenge over Criminal Court referral
Drousiotis also questioned the decision to refer the case to the Criminal Court.
He argued that even if the allegations against him were accepted, something he rejects, the matter should have been heard before the District Court.
According to Drousiotis, the issue was raised during the proceedings and the judge indicated that the case could have been heard by the District Court.
However, he said the case was referred to the Criminal Court because the Attorney General requested that course of action.
“This is evidence that the referral is retaliatory,” he said.
References to other cases
Drousiotis also linked his case to others who have appeared before the Anti-Corruption Authority.
He referred to former auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides and Anna Aristotelous, arguing that the case sends a broader message to individuals who come forward with allegations.
“This is a message to anyone who has something to say, that if they do so, they will find themselves in trouble,” he said.
Confidence in the courts
Despite his criticism of the prosecution, Drousiotis said he remains confident in the judiciary.
He described the case as a confrontation between what he called the rule of law and the “Mafia State”, while expressing trust in the justice system.
“I have complete confidence in justice,” he said. “I have appeared before the courts many times in retaliatory libel cases and the courts have never disappointed me.”
Drousiotis and Kyriakou were earlier referred to the Criminal Court, where they face trial in connection with a case that has attracted significant public attention in recent months.
