Anastasiadis Rejects ‘Mafia State’ Allegations, Vows Press Conference

According to a report in Alithia, Anastasiades issued a written statement regarding the procedure launched by the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority, arguing that many of the allegations raised by the authorities were not included in Drousiotis’s book and had never been formally presented to him during the investigation process. He said this had deprived him of the opportunity to respond in a documented and adequate manner.

Anastasiades described the claims in Drousiotis’s book regarding wealth, corruption, and similar accusations as “baseless,” adding that he would soon hold a press conference to provide full answers to the public.

He also called for the immediate investigation of the allegations he categorically rejected, stating that the process should be removed from the supervision of the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General in order to avoid any perception of bias, whether positive or negative.

Meanwhile, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said in a separate statement that the government “will not tolerate corruption under any circumstances” and expressed respect for the investigation launched by the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority.

Letymbiotis said all legal procedures must be followed under the Constitution and relevant legal framework, stressing that the process should be conducted responsibly to ensure the full clarification of the case. He added that the government trusts the justice system, while also noting that the executive branch must take certain steps to ensure the integrity and constitutionality of the investigation.

In a separate development, Lito Karoliou, lawyer for Drousiotis, described the initiation of the Anti-Corruption Authority’s procedure as the “first victory” in a long-running struggle.

Karoliou said Drousiotis had been systematically discredited due to Anastasiades’ political power and influence, adding that the investigation touches upon the functioning of key institutions, including the police, intelligence services, the Legal Service, and potentially other critical bodies. She also noted that, for the first time, an active member of the judiciary has been included in the investigation.

Karoliou further called for the appointment of an independent investigative officer by the Council of Ministers to ensure the proper continuation of the process.