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Journalists’ union alarmed by three criminal cases against Drousiotis

In-Cyprus · 2026-08-12

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: The Union of Cyprus Journalists expressed alarm over three criminal cases filed against journalist Makarios Drousiotis, involving charges of spreading false news, breach of personal data, and conducting an illegal fundraiser. • Why it matters: The union raises concerns about potential targeting of Drousiotis by authorities, emphasizing the implications for press freedom and the need for an equitable justice system. • What to watch next: The union will closely monitor the developments in Drousiotis's cases and may issue further statements depending on the outcomes, highlighting the ongoing risks to freedom of expression in Cyprus.

Local corruptionlaw officemakarios drousiotispress freedomTop News Journalists’ union alarmed by three criminal cases against Drousiotis Journalists' Union Alarmed By Three Cases Against Drousiotis Relevant News Journalists’ union alarmed by three criminal cases against Drousiotis 12 August 2026 Freedom Holding Corp. reports 40% revenue growth in Q1 FY2027 12 August 2026 Columbia lawsuit alleges biased disciplinary hearings against Palestinians 12 August 2026 Newsroom 12 August 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber The Union of Cyprus Journalists has asked whether suspicions that the authorities are targeting author and journalist Makarios Drousiotis are reasonable or unreasonable, after three separate criminal cases were brought against the journalist within a matter of days. Drousiotis is under criminal investigation in three cases and faces three different charges, the union said: spreading false news, breach of personal data, and conducting an illegal fundraiser. Background Criminal charges were filed against Drousiotis and “Sandy” at court in July, in a case reported to involve around 100 counts. Drousiotis said at the time that the indictment accused him of dolus and of knowingly publishing forged messages, and he described the case as a diversion from the “Videogate” affair and a helping hand to former President Nicos Anastasiades. The Law Office has not responded publicly to those claims. The “Sandy” affair began with publications by Drousiotis alleging corruption and sexual misconduct by public figures, based on messages he said had been exchanged with a woman referred to as “Sandy”. Those named in the allegations have denied wrongdoing. Union statement Cypriot justice cannot “strain at a gnat and swallow a camel”, the union said. It cannot show unforgivable negligence and slowness in one place and excessive haste and speed in another, and it has a duty to guarantee equality before the law. The union set out its position in a statement from its board. In a well-governed state no citizen is above the law, it said, but the system that administers justice is not above criticism either. A citizen who breaks the law is prosecuted, and justice that operates unevenly is judged. Why the union stayed silent the first time When criminal charges were brought against Drousiotis over the “Sandy” case, the board examined the matter thoroughly but concluded that any public statement would be taken as interference in the work of the courts, the union said. It did not comment, and drew heavy criticism for that. Within days Drousiotis faced a second criminal case, this time over his book “Mafia State”, the union said, and immediately afterwards a criminal investigation opened into a third. The board is following the whole development with intense concern and is asking the question alongside the rest of Cypriot society, it said. When a journalist is prosecuted, the risks to freedom of expression are visible, tangible and predictable, the union said. It will follow the outcome closely and return to the matter whenever it considers it necessary. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Freedom Holding Corp. reports 40% revenue growth in Q1 FY2027 Columbia lawsuit alleges biased disciplinary hearings against Palestinians Pentagon says US strikes killed 153 civilians in 2025 Presidential pardon frees 68 prisoners for August 15 holiday Eclipse craze grips Spain, Iceland as millions get set for ‘event of the century’ Norway wealth fund posts record $184 bln profit in first half of 2026 Rain pounds Beijing as Typhoon Dolphin sweeps through China Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.

Source: In-Cyprus
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