**Drousiotis Questioned Again Over “Mafia State” Investigation**
*August 28, 2026*
Journalist Makarios Drousiotis has been questioned by police as part of an ongoing investigation related to his book "Mafia State." The inquiry, which is reportedly focused on potential breaches of personal data legislation and intelligence service laws, marks a significant development in a case that has drawn considerable public attention.
Police Spokesman Vyronas Vyronos confirmed on Friday that Drousiotis was summoned to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters to provide an investigative statement. Drousiotis indicated that this questioning is unprecedented, as it appears to be the first instance where legislation concerning the intelligence service has been invoked to initiate a criminal investigation against a journalist. He characterized this move as a misuse of national security laws to undermine journalistic freedom.
During the interrogation, Drousiotis was reportedly asked a series of questions regarding the contents of his book, including who had access to the material prior to its publication, how he obtained the information contained within, and the roles of the book's editor and designer. He also faced inquiries about the design of the book's covers and whether he had secured any necessary permissions from relevant authorities before publishing.
Drousiotis expressed concern that the timing of the police inquiry coincided with the Anti-Corruption Authority's recent announcement regarding his book, suggesting a possible connection between the two events. He noted that this questioning represents the third criminal investigation he has faced in just one month.
The current investigation follows a previous phase that Drousiotis announced on social media, which occurred four years after the publication of "Mafia State" and two months after the Independent Authority Against Corruption released its findings. In his social media post, he remarked, "The masks are off," linking the investigation to his prior referral to the Criminal Court concerning the so-called "Sandy" affair.
Additionally, Drousiotis claimed that CID officials had sought to obtain statements from the printer, editor, and designer of his book, which he interpreted as an attempt to intimidate those associated with his work.
In a previous statement, Michalis Michael, an officer from the Police Headquarters Communications Branch, confirmed that the investigation into the alleged breach of personal data is distinct from the ongoing inquiries related to the Anti-Corruption Authority's findings. He indicated that the investigation is still in its early stages.
Drousiotis is also currently facing separate legal challenges, including charges of publishing false news, circulating a forged document, and harassment in connection with the "Sandy" affair. These developments have raised concerns among journalists and advocates for press freedom, who view the situation as indicative of broader issues regarding the treatment of media professionals in Cyprus.
As the investigation continues, the implications for Drousiotis and the broader media landscape remain uncertain. The case has sparked discussions about the balance between national security and the freedom of the press, a topic that is increasingly relevant in today's global context.
Further updates on the investigation and its impact on Drousiotis's work are anticipated as the situation evolves.