Cyprus Police are investigating a complaint concerning a possible personal data breach in connection with references contained in journalist Makarios Drousiotis’ book “Mafia State”, Police Headquarters Communications Branch officer Michalis Michael told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).
Michael clarified that the investigation is separate from the case concerning the findings of the Independent Authority Against Corruption, for which criminal investigators have been appointed.
The statement came after Drousiotis said in a social media post that police had opened a second criminal case against him in connection with his book.
According to Michael, the complaint was filed with the Police Headquarters Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which has undertaken the investigation.
The case remains at an early stage and police said no further information can currently be released in order to protect the investigation.
Individuals called to give statements
Asked whether individuals had already been called to provide statements, Michael confirmed that the investigation is underway and that some people have already given statements.
Regarding the potential offence under investigation, he said the complaint concerns an alleged violation of the complainant’s personal data.
He added that the complaint was filed relatively recently.
Drousiotis: ‘The masks are off’
In a social media post on Saturday, Drousiotis said police had opened a second criminal case against him in connection with “Mafia State,” four years after the book was published and two months after the Independent Authority Against Corruption delivered its findings.
“The masks are off,” Drousiotis wrote, claiming that after being referred to the Assize Court over the “Santi” case, police had now opened another criminal investigation concerning his book.
Drousiotis further alleged that Police Headquarters CID sought statements from individuals involved in the book’s production, including the printer, editor and designer, describing the move as an attempt to intimidate his associates.
He argued that the case raises broader concerns over the criminalisation of investigative journalism and freedom of expression in Cyprus.
Drousiotis maintained that the issue extends beyond his own case and concerns society as a whole, particularly freedom of expression, transparency, accountability and the rule of law.
Police, however, have stated that the investigation concerns a specific complaint regarding an alleged personal data breach and remains at an early stage.
Source: CNA
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