Police deny issuing arrest warrant for journalist Makarios Drousiotis

Journalist Makarios Drousiotis alleged that the Cyprus Police had issued an arrest warrant against him in mid-April, claiming the action was directed by the Presidential Palace. Drousiotis stated that the warrant was never executed because authorities feared public reaction to his investigation into the so-called 'Sandy' case and other allegations involving former President Nicos Anastasiades. He further claimed that information regarding the warrant and an indictment had been leaked to the press to discredit him, citing public comments by DIKO president Nikolas Papadopoulos. In response, the Cyprus Police issued an official statement on Monday categorically denying that any arrest warrant for Drousiotis was ever sought or issued. Authorities stated that the clarification was necessary to prevent misinformation and to uphold the integrity of institutional procedures. Drousiotis responded by labeling the police statement as a lie, maintaining that the police had previously leaked information as a form of intimidation. The controversy remains an ongoing point of contention between the investigative journalist and state authorities.