Police asked to investigate Drousiotis legal defence fundraiser

Nicosia, Cyprus. The Interior Ministry has referred journalist Makarios Drousiotis’ online fundraiser for legal costs to police for investigation, Minister Constantinos Ioannou said on Tuesday. Police will examine whether the campaign breached legislation governing public fundraising.

Fundraising campaign

Drousiotis launched the campaign on Monday under the title ‘I ask for your help to defend the truth’. He said the funds would be used exclusively for his legal defence, independent forensic examinations and other costs arising from the proceedings.

According to figures displayed on the GoGetFunding platform, the campaign had raised about €47,000 from 724 donors by Tuesday afternoon.

Permit procedure

Ioannou said there was a clear procedure for anyone wishing to conduct a fundraiser, requiring an application to be submitted to the competent fundraising committee for consideration and approval or rejection.

He said the ministry had instructed that a letter be sent to police, asking the competent authority to investigate “any possible commission of a criminal offence” under fundraising legislation.

The minister’s intervention followed discussion on social media over whether the campaign required a permit. He cautioned against drawing conclusions about the ministry’s actions before the investigation had taken place.

Criminal proceedings

Drousiotis is facing criminal proceedings arising from publications concerning the Sandy affair. He rejects the allegations and has described the prosecution as “vindictive in nature”.