Makarios Drousiotis and Kyriaki Kyriakou referred to criminal court in 'Sandy' case
On September 16, 2026, journalist Makarios Drousiotis and Kyriaki Kyriakou, known as 'Sandy,' appeared before the Nicosia District Court regarding a case involving 101 criminal charges. The charges include forgery, circulation of forged documents, publishing false news, and harassment. The indictment centers on allegations that Kyriakou used a pseudonym to circulate messages suggesting corruption by public figures, which Drousiotis subsequently publicized. The court granted the Prosecution’s request for a direct referral to the Nicosia Permanent Criminal Court, setting the trial date for December 15, 2026. Both defendants were released on bail of €10,000 each.
The proceedings emerged from investigations launched after Drousiotis published materials alleging institutional corruption, which he refers to as the 'Mafia State.' During the hearing, Drousiotis’s defense team challenged the referral to the Criminal Court, arguing the case was more suitable for district court proceedings. Outside the court, Drousiotis characterized the prosecution as an 'abusive and vindictive process' aimed at silencing his investigations, while noting his belief that he should have been treated as a protected witness. The defense also requested access to full case evidence, while Kyriakou submitted a request for legal aid based on her financial status.