Developments at different levels marked the Easter period in the investigation of claims made by journalist Makarios Drousiotis. Despite expectations of a holiday lull, new data emerged on two fronts. On the one hand, Drousiotis published a new post detailing the testimony he gave to police and released audio recordings in which “Sandy” is allegedly heard speaking. On the other, police carried out searches at the home and office of lawyer Nikos Clerides.
Attention has now turned to two key fronts. The first concerns Europol’s forensic laboratory and the results of its examination of the material sent to it, with authenticity the primary issue. The second is before the Supreme Court, where Clerides plans to seek a prerogative writ of certiorari to annul the search warrant executed by police at his home and office.
Lawyer Christos Clerides announced that he will seek the annulment of the search order, arguing that it violated lawyer–client privilege. The Cyprus Bar Association also reacted, stressing that “legal professional privilege constitutes a cornerstone of the rule of law and an essential safeguard of the citizen’s right to effective legal representation”.
Police, however, said they followed all prescribed procedures in securing the search warrant. In a statement, police said the application was “based on an assessment of specific evidence lawfully obtained and considered sufficient to support the procedure. At no stage was there any intention or action that would undermine legal professional privilege, which is fully respected and protected”.
The key question
While Drousiotis said on Thursday that he would return to the “Sandy” case after Easter, he posted audio recordings on Holy Saturday which he claims feature the alleged central figure, with references linked to his allegations. He also shared on his personal social media accounts the testimony he gave to police.
The question now is whether these audio files form part of the material handed to police by Drousiotis and subsequently sent to Europol for examination. Elsewhere in his post, commenting on the search of Clerides’ home and office, Drousiotis said: “Instead of protecting the key witness, as I formally requested immediately after her name was revealed by the main suspect, and instead of securing evidence and testimonial material to protect the integrity of the investigation, as would befit a state governed by the rule of law, they drove her to deny everything, confirming that the rules of the Mafia State apply.”
Orphanides also knew
Journalist Stelios Orphanides, in an extensive article, outlines what he says he knows about “Sandy”, how they met, his acquaintance with Makarios Drousiotis, and how he helped her travel to Germany. Orphanides’ article was published on the Greek news website Documento.
Among other things, he writes that “Sandy” herself told him her story and that he helped her reach Germany, where she stayed at a shelter for victims of sexual and domestic violence. He also says that in 2023 he met Drousiotis and that their discussion made it clear that both men were aware of “Sandy”. Orphanides calls on her to think of herself and her children and to leave.