Former President Anastasiades challenges anti-corruption report findings
Former President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades held a press conference to address the report from the Anti-Corruption Authority regarding allegations in Makarios Drousiotis' book 'Mafia State'. Anastasiades strongly rejected accusations of abuse of power and influence peddling, specifically labeling as baseless claims that he received 250,000 euros from Laiki Bank for his 2013 election campaign. He criticized the authority for basing its findings on a 'balance of probabilities' rather than proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The former president accused his detractors of violating the presumption of innocence and fostering a climate of toxicity and character assassination. He formally requested the appointment of independent criminal investigators to examine the report's conclusions further. Meanwhile, the Prosecution Council has referred the report to the Police and the Council of Ministers to facilitate an immediate criminal investigation. The Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General have recused themselves from the process to ensure impartiality.