The Anti-Corruption Authority's investigation into allegations made by journalist and author Makarios Drousiotis against former Cypriot President Nikos Anastasiadis in his books "Mafia State" and "The Gang" is nearing the witness hearing phase.
Highly experienced Australian lawyer Gabrielle Louise McIntyre is expected in Cyprus in February to lead the investigation. Her fee is reportedly €800 per working day. Previous attempts to recruit a lead investigator from Greece were unsuccessful.
The Authority is reportedly planning to call Anastasiadis to testify in March. By then, he is expected to have published "The Slanderer," his anticipated response to Drousiotis.
In mid-April 2024, Anastasiadis' lawyers filed a lawsuit against Drousiotis, seeking over €2 million in damages and a court order prohibiting Drousiotis from repeating, circulating, or in any way publishing or republishing his two books.
