For the first time, the identity of the person who dominated the news in 2026 more than anyone else has been revealed. The mysterious woman behind the “Sandy” scandal, which erupted after a post made by Makarios Drousiotis on March 30, triggering a political earthquake and an institutional crisis, as it supposedly exposed the involvement of politicians and judges in a massive extrajudicial network.
Kyriaki Kyriakou and the well-known journalist appeared for the first time that morning before the Nicosia District Court, which referred the case directly to trial before the Criminal Court, a move that provoked a strong reaction from Makarios Drousiotis.
MAKARIOS DRUSIOTIS: “This is
a vindictive process, intertwined with the Mafia State. Instead of being a protected witness—as the state and its institutions were obligated to protect me—they are referring me to the Criminal Court in an abusive proceeding.”
The journalist spoke of a politically motivated and vindictive prosecution, which he linked to the allegations he had made in the context of the “Mafia State” case.
MAKARIOS DRUSIOTIS: “This is
a clash between the Rule of Law and the Mafia State. A message to anyone who has something to say or to testify: in such a case, they’ll be in for trouble.”
Throughout the proceedings, Drousiotis and Sandy did not even exchange a glance. This is indicative of the breakdown in their relationship following the testimony Kyriakou gave before the Nicosia CID investigators, in which she admitted that the messages she sent to the journalist regarding the existence of a corrupt ring had been fabricated using an online app.
The charges against the two are extremely serious. In total, they face 101 charges, the most serious of which are forgery and circulation of forged documents, which carry prison sentences of up to seven years.
In court, the representative of the prosecution read a statement from the Attorney General, in which he explained the reasons for requesting that the case be referred to the Criminal Court.
Attorneys Drousiotis, Lito Kariolou, and Alexandros Clerides, announced their intention to challenge the Legal Service’s decision, while the journalist expressed his confidence in the Cypriot justice system.
MAKARIOS DRUSIOTIS: “We have
complete confidence in the justice system. I’ve been through the courts many times due to vindictive libel cases, and I don’t feel like they’ve brought me down.”
For her part, Sandy filed a request for legal aid, citing the fact that she is unemployed and a recipient of a single-parent allowance; for this purpose, a report will be prepared by the Welfare Office.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Attention is now focused on the defense strategy Sandy will pursue—namely, whether she will admit to the charges brought against her, while as for Makarios Drousiotis, it is considered a given that he will not plead guilty.
See the report by Christoforos Nestoros:
READ ALSO: “Vengeful proceedings”: What Drousiotis says about the trial in the Criminal Court and what he “sees” in common with Odysseas and Anna | AlphaNews
