Journalist Makarios Drousiotis under investigation regarding crowdfunding campaign

Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou has requested a police investigation into an online crowdfunding campaign launched by journalist Makarios Drousiotis to cover his mounting legal expenses. The Ministry of Interior stated that the campaign may fall under the provisions of the Law on Fundraisers, prompting concerns about potential illegal activity. Minister Ioannou has categorically rejected allegations of political persecution or a personal vendetta against the journalist, clarifying that no prosecution will occur if the investigation determines the activities are not in breach of the law. Following some initial administrative confusion where police reported not having received the referral, the authorities confirmed on Wednesday that a letter from the Licensing Authority for Fundraising has been received and will be studied.

The Union of Cyprus Journalists has expressed intense concern, noting that Drousiotis is currently facing three separate criminal investigations within a short period, including allegations of spreading false news, breaching personal data, and conducting an illegal fundraiser. The Union raised questions regarding whether the journalist is being specifically targeted by authorities, while emphasizing that the justice system must operate impartially. Meanwhile, legal experts and the journalist’s legal counsel have questioned whether the crowdfunding campaign for personal legal costs truly fits the statutory definition of a fundraiser, which generally governs public-interest or charitable appeals.