Marios Christofi
Former MEP Dimitris Papadakis is responding to allegations made by Makarios Drousiotis and presenting the results of examinations conducted on his devices after appointing an independent criminal investigator.
At a press conference currently underway, he stated that he will not be a candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections. He emphasized that this decision is not because he did anything wrong, but because someone chose to cast doubt on his name.
He said, “Throughout my political career, I have acted with honesty and clarity, always trying to make our society better and fairer. At a time when citizens have lost trust in institutions due to a lack of equality before the law, and are constantly exposed to so-called news and claims presented as major revelations, I am addressing the public today to clarify the situation regarding matters that concern me personally.
The claims made by Drousiotis about me, aside from the suspicious timing of their appearance on social media, are false and serve specific interests. He published alleged conversations between me and a former Supreme Court judge without any investigation or verification. These conversations are fabricated. I do not know this individual and have never communicated with him in my life. From the very beginning, it was clear that there was nothing improper on my part. I could have ignored these claims, but my personal dignity would not allow me to leave any doubts surrounding my name. That is why I immediately stepped forward and called for a full investigation into both the case and Drousiotis’ allegations.
I did not stop there. I took immediate action to uncover the truth without hesitation or evasion. On March 30, Drousiotis made his first post, including two specific references to me. As soon as I learned about it, I clearly stated that I do not know this person and have never had any relationship or communication with him. I also called on Drousiotis to retract his claims immediately.
The very next day, I issued a written statement expressing my willingness to hand over my mobile devices to a forensic expert, even one chosen by Drousiotis, so they could be examined and confirm that I never communicated with the former judge in question. What did Mr. Drousiotis do?
That same day, I instructed my lawyers to proceed with legal action against Drousiotis if he did not retract his claims within 24 hours. At the same time, I filed a formal complaint with the Chief of Police, accusing him of publishing false information and asking authorities to immediately secure all relevant evidence to verify its authenticity.
On March 31, on my own initiative, I appointed an expert to conduct an independent forensic examination of the mobile devices I used from 2019 through 2026. The purpose was to determine whether any of the alleged communications published by Drousiotis could be found. The terms I set ensured full objectivity, independence, and freedom from interference. I granted the expert complete access to all my electronic data and instructed him to prepare a report on the alleged messages and submit it, along with my devices, to the police upon completion.
On April 3, I went to the Criminal Investigation Department to give a statement regarding my complaint and informed authorities about the appointment of the expert. My complaint against Drousiotis included the following:
- Publishing false information about alleged messages exchanged between me and a person named Michalis Christodoulou
- Creating and distributing forged documents related to those alleged messages
Yesterday afternoon, the forensic report was submitted to the police. It concludes that no evidence was found on my devices that would even suggest the alleged exchanges of messages or communication ever took place.
The findings are clear. It is equally clear that Drousiotis, presenting himself as an investigator, published fabricated messages.
His claims must be fully investigated. At the same time, authorities must determine who created these fake messages and how they ended up in his possession. The answers should not be difficult to find.
We are living in a time when reputations are easily damaged and storytellers are turned into heroes, depending on what serves powerful interests in our country. These same interests are responsible for many of the scandals and the lack of accountability we have seen, from the stock market crisis to the present day, where people are losing their homes without justice. Some individuals behave as if they are untouchable, trampling others in pursuit of their own interests. They are mistaken. Society has begun to push back.
For this reason, I will continue to fight to ensure this case is thoroughly investigated and that everyone involved in what appears to be a poorly orchestrated scheme is exposed.
Regarding Alma, I will keep this brief because the situation is clear. I decided to run in the parliamentary elections as a collaborating candidate with Alma because I believed we could bring meaningful change for citizens.
From the moment Drousiotis’ claims were published, I stayed in contact with Alma and informed them of every step I intended to take. Despite this, Alma chose to distance itself from me, as reflected in its public statements.
On Monday, April 6, during a Secretariat meeting, I answered questions and explained that the forensic report would be available the following day, April 7. I stated clearly that it would prove Drousiotis was lying and that no communication had ever taken place between me and the former judge.
Alma chose, for reasons outlined in its statement, to withdraw my candidacy without waiting for the forensic report and without seriously considering the admissions of those involved.
Successful cooperation requires mutual trust. Only then can we strengthen our voice and bring meaningful change to Cyprus and its citizens.
The lack of trust and support for me and for my effort to bring the truth to light led inevitably to a political split.
I will not be a candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections, not because I did anything wrong, but because someone chose to cast doubt on my name.
I have been the victim of a scheme that may have broader implications and deeper roots.
The honesty, dignity, principles, values, and integrity that have guided me for years are not negotiable and cannot be questioned for the sake of any parliamentary seat.
I will continue to fight until the truth comes out.
I will continue to fight for a better and fairer society, not one reserved for the privileged. I will keep fighting for truth and transparency.”
Data analysis by the independent forensic expert
“With regard to all submitted screenshots, a thorough and targeted analysis was conducted across all available device data. This included active data, application databases, deleted data, unallocated space, and cloud-related information. The analysis involved indexing and targeted keyword searches based on the content of the disputed communications, as well as sender and recipient details.
In addition, a complete forensic timeline of device activity was created and analyzed to determine whether any relevant activity occurred at the times referenced in the screenshots.
No technical findings or evidence were identified that support the existence of the alleged communications on these devices.”
Evaluation of screenshots
“The submitted screenshots are secondary representations of data rather than original digital evidence. They do not contain the technical metadata required to reliably verify their origin, integrity, or timing.”
Statement on Alma
“Alma chose, for reasons stated in its announcement, to withdraw its decision to include me on its electoral list without waiting for the forensic report and without seriously considering the admissions of those involved. Cooperation requires mutual trust. Only then can we strengthen our collective voice and achieve meaningful change for Cyprus and its citizens. The lack of trust and support for me and my effort to reveal the truth led inevitably to a political split.”
