Nicosia, Cyprus. Social media personality Ioanna Photiou, known as ‘Annie Alexui’, said on Friday she is preparing to take the Cypriot government to a European court, claiming her human rights are being violated.
Plans for a European court case
Speaking during a television appearance on Sigma, Photiou said she has “begun the preparation process” to take her case to a European court.
Comments on police jurisdiction and arrest warrants
Photiou said the Cypriot police “has no jurisdiction” to travel to Russia to take statements from her, adding that “no police can come and take a statement from me” because it is “another country”.
She said she “does not accept” suggestions that arrest warrants issued in her name could be suspended to facilitate her giving a statement, and said she wants lawyers to provide confirmation that the warrants “will not be activated”.
Criticism of justice minister
Photiou criticised Justice Minister Costas Fitiris, saying it upsets her and questioning whether the minister thinks her life is “a toy in his hands” and “a toy for the media”.
She also said she calls him “firfiris” and added, “I have no confidence in him,” and said she does not trust anyone at the legal service or the justice ministry.
Possible written statement via a lawyer
Photiou said she could offer the Cypriot police a written statement through a lawyer in Cyprus regarding allegations she has made against various public officials, including suspended Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos.
She said she was considering the idea and had not consulted the Russians.
View of Russia and Cyprus
Photiou said she now considers Russia to be home and Cyprus to be a “hostile place”.
What do you think should be the next step for resolving the dispute between Photiou and the Cypriot authorities?