Former Officials and Members of Parliament to Testify in Corruption Probe
The Independent Authority against Corruption is set to intensify its inquiry into claims made by journalist Makarios Drousiotis in his controversial book “State Mafia.” The investigation will see a series of high-profile testimonies from key political figures and legal professionals post-Easter. Among those called to testify is former Attorney General Kostas Clerides, who is scheduled for a full day’s hearing.
The upcoming sessions will also include former MP and ex-president of DISY, Averof Neophytou, as well as George Georgiou and Petros Clerides, both of whom have served as Attorney General. Former DISY MP Maria Kyriakou is also expected to provide testimony, following lawyer Alexandra Pelagia’s extensive deposition.
Adding to the list of depositions, Makarios Drousiotis himself is slated for another round of testimonies next Monday and Tuesday, after having already participated in two comprehensive hearings. As part of their investigative efforts, the inspection officers have procured documents from the Parliament and the Court, with further records anticipated from the Presidential Office.
The focus of the investigation by the four legal experts appears to be centered on the case involving Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev. The narrative presented in “State Mafia” details events in Cyprus post-Rybolovlev’s divorce, including the alleged involvement of a major law firm, curious parliamentary activities aimed at amending legislation, judicial decisions that seemingly favored the oligarch, and questionable capital movements.
In response to these allegations, former President Nikos Anastasiades has taken legal action against Drousiotis. Through his attorneys, Anastasiades has filed a lawsuit seeking punitive damages of €2,000,000 and an injunction against the further publication of Drousiotis’s books and related articles. The lawsuit claims that Drousiotis made malicious, false, and defamatory statements. In a written response, Drousiotis has labeled the lawsuit as a “distraction move” and expressed his readiness to confront Anastasiades in court.
The unfolding investigation promises to shed light on the intricate web of allegations involving high-ranking officials and prominent legal entities, as Cyprus’s battle against corruption continues to unravel in the public eye.
