Drousiotis evidence to be sent to Europol

Evidence submitted by journalist Makarios Drousiotis to the police regarding claims he has made regarding a former supreme court judge whom he accuses of rape, and others, will be forwarded to the European Union agency for law enforcement (Europol), Justice Minister Costas Fitiris said on Wednesday.

Speaking after the day’s cabinet meeting, he said that the evidence will be “immediately” sent to The Hague for “forensic examination”.

He added that after Europol’s examination has concluded, he will “return with new information” to cabinet, so that “the necessary decisions can be taken in accordance with its responsibilities”.

Drousiotis had submitted a dossier to the police on Tuesday, with Michalakis Christodoulou, the judge whom he accuses, continuing to maintain his innocence.

Christodoulou had said last week that he had “acted like a father” to the woman, and that he is willing to cooperate with the authorities.

Other figures named by Drousiotis, including former MEP Demetris Papadakis and Edek deputy leader Morfakis Solomonides, both of whom he alleges to have “acted on the behest of Christodoulou as informants and interlocutors”, have denied the allegations.

Papadakis also gave a statement to the police on Friday, accusing Drousiotis of publishing false news and circulating false documents, before calling a fresh press conference on Wednesday to once again state that he is innocent.

More to follow…