Legal experts question whether Drousiotis crowdfunding falls under Cyprus fundraising law

Nicosia, Cyprus. Two legal experts have questioned whether journalist and author Makarios Drousiotis’ online crowdfunding campaign to cover legal expenses falls within the scope of Cyprus’ fundraising legislation. They said the law appears to apply to appeals for specified public-interest purposes rather than personal legal costs.

Police referral

Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said authorities referred the matter to police for examination after the campaign came to the ministry’s attention. He said no one would be prosecuted if the campaign was ultimately found not to fall under the law.

However, the Cyprus News Agency reported that police said on Wednesday they had not received a formal request from the interior ministry to investigate the matter.

Police spokeswoman Marina Christodoulidou said the force was aware of the issue and would take any necessary action if and when it received an official referral.

Legal interpretation

Lawyer Simos Angelides said Drousiotis’ crowdfunding campaign did not appear to meet the legal definition of a public fundraiser under the Fundraising Law.

He said Article 2 applies to requests for financial assistance for charitable, benevolent, religious, environmental or animal welfare causes, the construction of monuments and other purposes expressly provided by law.

“Based on the law as it currently stands, this crowdfunding campaign does not appear to fall within the interpretation of the legislation,” Angelides said.

He added that the term “crowdfunding” does not appear in the law and said the purpose for which money is collected is the determining factor. As Drousiotis is seeking support specifically for legal costs, Angelides said the campaign does not appear to require prior authorisation under the legislation.