Legal service clears journalist Makarios Drousiotis in fundraising probe

The Cypriot Legal Service has concluded that the crowdfunding campaign organized by journalist and author Makarios Drousiotis does not constitute a criminal offense. The investigation was initiated following an August 10 public appeal by Drousiotis to cover legal costs associated with the 'Sandy' and 'State Mafia' cases, which resulted in the collection of over 52,000 euros within three days.

Following the campaign, the Ministry of Interior, led by Minister Constantinos Ioannou, referred the matter to the police to determine if the activity violated fundraising legislation. The police subsequently requested a formal opinion from the Legal Service. On August 27, it was confirmed that the crowdfunding efforts do not fall under the legal definition of a 'public collection' or 'fundraising' governed by current statutes, effectively closing the case without any findings of wrongdoing.

Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou publicly defended his ministry's actions, clarifying that the referral was a procedural step taken upon learning of the campaign and denying any personal vendetta against the journalist. With the Legal Service ruling that no offense occurred, the investigation into the matter is now officially considered concluded.