Makarios Drousiotis questioned in investigation linked to Mafia State

Nicosia, Cyprus. Journalist and author Makarios Drousiotis was questioned by police on Thursday in an investigation concerning his book Mafia State and a possible violation of personal data laws.

Police spokesman Vyron Vyronos confirmed on Friday that Drousiotis had been summoned to the Criminal Investigation Department at police headquarters, where he gave a statement in connection with the case.

Claims over investigation

In a social media post on Thursday, Drousiotis said he had been summoned over what he described as an alleged violation of laws governing the Cyprus Intelligence Service (KYP) and the protection of personal data.

He said that, to his knowledge, this was the first time legislation governing KYP had been used in a criminal investigation involving a journalist. He described it as the use of national security as a weapon against journalism.

Questions put to author

According to Drousiotis, investigators asked who had known about the contents of Mafia State before its publication, how he had obtained the information contained in the book, and what role its editor and designer had played.

He said he was also asked to comment on the covers of the book’s two editions and whether he had received permission from a competent authority to publish his books.

Further claims

Drousiotis linked the timing of the complaint to an announcement by the independent anti-corruption authority concerning Mafia State.

He said the latest case was the third criminal investigation against him within a month.