In a statement and appeal, journalist Makarios Drousiotis is reaching out to the public, asking for their help in the form of financial support for the legal battle he is about to face, in the wake of revelations about the “Mafia State” and the complaint filed against him regarding a personal data breach, as well as his criminal prosecution in the Sandy case.
As Makarios Drousiotis writes, “the Legal Service of this state is bringing me before the Criminal Court, charging me with 80 counts alleging that I knowingly and maliciously published false news regarding the well-known case of ‘Santi’ messages. This is a frame-up, a conspiracy to cover up the truth, and retaliation for ‘State Mafia’.”
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
He also notes that “four years after the release of ‘Mafia State,’ the Headquarters Criminal Investigation Division—the very same unit that ‘investigated’ the Santis case—is investigating another criminal case against me under the pretext of the publication of personal data. A police investigator is requesting statements from the book’s editor and designer—and even from the printer! What possible connection could they have to what I write in my books? What else could this be but harassment of my collaborators?”
M. Drousiotis continues:
“After the leniency shown in the first prosecution, they’ve become emboldened. They no longer even keep up appearances. The prosecutions against me are vindictive in nature. They aim to punish me for my revelations in the ‘State Mafia’ case and to undermine my credibility as a key witness in the criminal investigation that has begun.
They also aim to silence my extensive investigation into the sale of non-performing loans and real estate foreclosures.
My investigations have brought to light a deeply corrupt system of power that serves powerful financial interests at the expense of thousands of citizens.
Today, I stand alone against this system, which has the entire machinery of the state at its disposal. I am up against large law firms and powerful individuals with vast financial resources and influence in the media. It is an unequal legal battle, and their goal is to bring me to my knees financially and to wear me down physically and mentally.
This organized plan to wear me down was foreshadowed by one of Anastasiades’ mouthpieces even before the criminal case against me was filed. I am quoting a relevant excerpt verbatim, with the capital letters as written by the author:
“In any case, you should know that the SERIOUS INDICTMENT in the SANTIS case will burn, it will scorch certain individuals, who in the coming period will face CONSTANT LEGAL ORDEALS with all the consequences— financially, psychologically, and personally, and they will become PERMANENT INMATES in the dock.”
This is what is happening today. I have fought many battles in my life, but this is the hardest one. I have the physical and mental strength to see it through to the end and to turn this ordeal into a “project of truth” that exposes this conspiracy.
My weak point is financial resources. That is why they chose to strike at me in this area. Beyond the costs of my legal representation, significant resources are required for independent forensic examinations of telephone devices and digital material by specialized technical consultants and experts.
I am reaching out to civil society and inviting you to be part of this effort by making a financial contribution. This battle is not just about me. It concerns the rule of law, accountability, freedom of expression, and the right of journalists to investigate serious matters of public interest, without the threat of criminal prosecution and financial ruin hanging over their heads.
All contributions will be used exclusively to cover the costs of legal defense, court hearings, and legal proceedings. Summary reports on the amounts raised and expenses will be published regularly, with full respect for the personal data of those who contribute. Financial management will be audited by a certified auditing firm.
Even the smallest contribution has immense moral and material value.
Thank you for your trust and support. You can contact me at [email protected]
Makarios Drousiotis
Journalist – Investigative Reporter – Author”
