Nicosia, Cyprus. Former attorney-general Costas Clerides said he will provide any information available to him regarding allegations made by journalist Makarios Drousiotis against several high-profile figures. He said some media outlets are portraying him as remaining silent on the issues raised.
Clerides responds to claims of silence
Clerides said that any limited information that came to his attention after his retirement regarding official matters would be offered, if necessary and where appropriate, taking full responsibility.
Allegations and reactions
Drousiotis’ allegations centre on a now 45-year-old woman, identified only as “Sandy”, who he says was raped and stabbed by former supreme court judge Michalakis Christodoulou, whom he also accuses of fathering three of her children.
According to Drousiotis, “Sandy” provided this information to her lawyer, Nikos Clerides, who is Costas Clerides’ brother. This has led to criticism of the former attorney-general, with some arguing that if his brother knew of the accusations, he must have known as well.
Police searches and criticism
Last week, police searched Nikos Clerides’ home and residence. Former bar association chairman Christos Clerides accused authorities of acting in a manner akin to “terrorism” and questioned why police had not searched the property of Christodoulou or “Sandy”.
Denials and safety concerns
Christodoulou has maintained his innocence, saying he had “acted like a father” to “Sandy”. Other figures named by Drousiotis, including former MEP Demetris Papadakis and Edek deputy leader Morfakis Solomonides, whom Drousiotis alleges acted at Christodoulou’s behest as informants and interlocutors, have denied the allegations.
Later, Nikos Clerides suggested he fears for his life following the emergence of the allegations, saying, “I feel like I’m in danger,” and adding, “I don’t want anyone to think I’m suicidal.”
Europol referral
Justice Minister Costas Fitiris said evidence gathered in connection with the case will be forwarded to the European Union agency for law enforcement, Europol.
What do you think the police should do next in response to the allegations and the searches carried out so far?
