Drousiotis alleges ‘Sandy’ was stabbed

Journalist Makarios Drousiotis on Thursday alleged that ‘Sandy’, the woman at the centre of his allegations, was stabbed by former supreme court judge Michalakis Christodoulou, the man whom he also accused of raping her.

The accusation came amid a slew of audio and message exchanges he released to the public.

A message attributed to Sandy reads; “From Michalis yesterday. he was out of control, he must be under pressure, or threatened”, which is accompanied by an image of a knife wound.

In a separate message in the same sequence, a communication allegedly attributed to Christodoulou states “she didn’t talk to anyone. what should I tell you? That I almost slaughtered her?”

An audio recording published alongside the messages includes a conversation with journalist Stelios Orphanides, in which ‘Sandy’ is heard describing an incident involving a knife.

When asked whether she had been stabbed, she said that she sustained injuries to her hands and adds that she “still has the scars”.

Drousiotis said the material forms part of more than 130 messages and audio files submitted to the authorities.

He raised questions about the handling of forensic evidence, stating that “a proper forensic examination cannot be carried out without the basic evidence, the relevant devices”.

Additionally, he referred to data from a mobile phone examined by investigators, remarking that applications which can supposedly construct false messages were installed in October last year, January 1 this year, and March 13 this year, which he said do not correspond with alleged activity dating back to 2019.

Drousiotis stated that ‘Sandy’ initially referred to one device and later to another phone which has not been located.

“This device was not found by the police”, he said, adding that available information does not indicate further search warrants were issued to recover it.

He also said that “the police, instead of investigating possible crimes, are consumed with constructing alibis for suspects”.

Details contained in what newspaper Phileleftheros reports is a sworn police affidavit submitted to secure a search warrant for the premises of lawyer Nikos Clerides present a different account, however.

That document states that ‘Sandy’ informed investigators she had fabricated messages and scenarios, stating she acted “impulsively and without a clear reason” and describing an “obsession” with Christodoulou.

Police evidence cited in the affidavit indicates that she said she had “become one” with the persona she created and experienced events as if they were real.

She is reported to have said she used applications to generate messages and calls, and that a device used in 2019 or 2020 had been given to Clerides – a claim he has denied.

The document also appears to show that Sandy has one child and that she was continuously employed in Cyprus between 2001 and 2023.

Quotes attributed to the police in the document state that this information contradicts claims of extended residence abroad in Germany, while reported records also indicate medical visits during the same period.

The document includes a statement from Christodoulou, who confirmed that he had met ‘Sandy’ three times in 2020, but rejected allegations of any relationship, stating that “everything that has been published is a lie”.

He said the contact lasted about a year and that he provided emotional support based on information she had given him.

The police have identified three applications associated with generating forged text messages, noting these were installed after the period during which the alleged messages were said to have been created.

According to the police, an investigation covering 12 offences, including conspiracy, forgery, circulation of false documents, unlawful processing of personal data, interception of communications and money laundering, has been launched.

They have not specified against whom the offences may be directed.

Police chief Themistos Arnaoutis delivering a statement on the case, said that “the demand for complete transparency and clarity is absolutely legitimate”, and added, “my responsibility as police chief is not to defend handling. It is to ensure that the process is correct and reliable”.

He said that “the investigation is not being conducted to confirm any narrative. It is being conducted to arrive at the truth” and that “no person is above the law, just as no person can be targeted without evidence”.

Additionally, he confirmed that testimonies are being taken and data evaluated as part of the process.

Arnaoutis said the police “operate with full awareness of their responsibility and have control of the process at all stages”, adding that Justice Minister Costas Fitiris will be informed.

Searches carried out at Clerides’ home and office last week led to the seizure of multiple phones and laptops.

Phileleftheros quoted police sources as having said that none of the devices have been confirmed as belonging to ‘Sandy’.

Clerides has criticised the operation, stating he was treated “like a criminal” and raising concerns about legal confidentiality.

Drousiotis also referred to the timing of investigative actions, noting the period between April 7 and April 10, when a search warrant was obtained after ‘Sandy’ reportedly mentioned a second device.

“Why did they have to wait?”, he questioned.