‘Sandy’ denies seeking special treatment as Drousiotis faces further police questioning

Nicosia, Cyprus. The woman known as ‘Sandy’ said on Friday that she did not seek special treatment and would not accept responsibility without “solid proof”, as journalist Makarios Drousiotis attended police headquarters for further questioning connected to his book Mafia State.

She said she was monitoring public claims and allegations in the case and was prepared to use all legal avenues to establish the truth.

Statement by ‘Sandy’

Speaking to Cyprus Times, Sandy said criminal responsibility was personal and could not be based on assumptions, rumours or fabricated narratives.

“I will not leave any person exposed nor accept the arbitrary imputation of responsibility to any person. Criminal responsibility is personal and cannot be based on assumptions, rumors or fabricated narratives. I am aware not only of what is said, but also of what is left unsaid,” she said.

She said she was not seeking favourable treatment but what the rule of law required, acknowledging that the process could be difficult and lengthy.

“I do not seek preferential treatment. I only ask for what the rule of law demands, and I am fully aware that this path may be difficult and long. Nevertheless, I will not give up the effort,” she said.

Sandy also questioned whether messages central to the case were genuine, saying some may have been altered, partially presented or created by another person.

Drousiotis questioned over Mafia State

Drousiotis attended police headquarters for a second time in connection with Mafia State and an alleged breach of laws concerning the intelligence service and personal data protection.

He said police had asked whether he had received permission from a competent authority before publishing the book.

Drousiotis said he believed former president Nikos Anastasiades was behind the case against him, describing it as revenge for claims made in Mafia State.

“This seems to be the first case to my knowledge where the law has been used for a criminal investigation of a journalist. Congratulations to President Christodoulides! I am truly ashamed of my country,” he said.