Police seek legal advice on Drousiotis crowdfunding appeal
Police have asked the legal service whether journalist Makarios Drousiotis may collect funds raised for his legal defence.
Nicosia, Cyprus. Police have sought the legal service’s opinion on whether journalist Makarios Drousiotis can collect money raised through a crowdfunding appeal for his legal costs. The request followed a referral by the fundraising authority.
Funds raised
Drousiotis launched the campaign to finance his legal defence and said on Sunday that it had collected more than €50,000 within 36 hours.
According to Drousiotis, €46,586.49 remained after platform and payment fees. He said a further €3,188.14 had been transferred to a Revolut account used for the campaign, while €3,100 in cash was due to be added.
He said the money would be used only for the purpose for which it was donated. All accounts, documents and payments would be audited by an approved firm, with the report to be made public.
Legal questions
The campaign has raised legal questions under Cyprus fundraising legislation.
Lawyer Simos Angelides said the appeal did not appear to fall within the scope of the legislation as it is currently written.
“Based on the law as it currently stands, this crowdfunding campaign does not appear to fall within the interpretation of the legislation,” he said.
Drousiotis’ lawyer, Maria Theristi, said the appeal concerned “the expenses of a specific court case and his personal legal defence” rather than a charitable or social cause.
The interior ministry referred the matter to police after the campaign came to its attention.
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