Former Cypriot president challenges anti-corruption report

Former Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades has issued a detailed rebuttal to the Anti-Corruption Authority’s report dated June 16, 2026, concerning allegations raised in the book 'Mafia State'. In his statement published on August 24, 2026, Anastasiades accused the investigation officials of negligence, error, and succumbing to a public climate of 'popular tribunals' that allegedly distorted the truth.

Anastasiades specifically addressed seven recommendations for potential criminal offenses, including abuse of power and influence peddling, which were based on the 'balance of probabilities' standard. He rejected claims related to the Rybolovlev, Focus, banking commissions, and citizenship cases, including the Abramov naturalization. He argued that officials failed to interview key witnesses, such as former Interior Minister Neoklis Sylikiotis, and did not grant him a proper opportunity to respond to the specific evidence used against him. He further challenged the credibility of the book's author, Makarios Drousiotis, claiming the investigation misrepresented facts and ignored contradictory testimony.

This critique marks a significant escalation in tensions between the former president and the investigative body. The investigation, which previously followed a press conference held by Anastasiades on June 23, 2026, remains a central point of political friction in Cyprus as the former leader continues to defend his legacy against corruption allegations.