Legal service finds no offence in Drousiotis defence fundraising

Nicosia, Cyprus. The legal service has found no objection to financial support raised by journalist Makarios Drousiotis to fund his legal defence, according to Reporter. The opinion concluded that no criminal offences arose and no further investigation was required.

Police referral and legal opinion

The matter was referred to police after the fundraising licensing authority wrote to raise concerns about Drousiotis’ appeal for public donations.

Police sought a formal opinion from the legal service on whether the fundraising campaign gave rise to any criminal offences. According to Reporter, the opinion confirmed that the support did not violate the relevant law and that the case was considered closed.

Interior ministry response

The interior ministry had forwarded the fundraising authority’s letter to police after media reports revealed the appeal, identifying police as the competent authority to determine whether legislation had been breached.

Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said in a social media post that he was “not hunting [Drousiotis] and does not seek the annihilation of anyone”.

He said the ministry acted only after becoming aware that a fundraising campaign was under way.

“If the investigation reveals that it does not fall within the provisions of the specific legislation, no one will be prosecuted or charged,” he said.

Campaign for legal costs

Drousiotis launched the campaign to cover legal costs related to criminal proceedings in the ‘Sandy’ case and separate proceedings concerning alleged personal data offences arising from the Mafia State affair.

The campaign raised more than €50,000 within 36. Drousiotis said the funds would be used exclusively for the stated purpose, audited by an approved firm and followed by the publication of the audit report.