Anti-Corruption Authority to announce findings on 'Mafia State' by 15 June
The Independent Anti-Corruption Authority will release a statement with its findings on the allegations contained in the book 'Mafia State' by 15 June.
Anti-Corruption Authority to announce findings on 'Mafia State' by 15 June
By 15 June, the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority will release a statement with the findings from its investigation into the allegations contained in the book 'Mafia State', according to the head of the authority.
The statement yesterday narrows the timeline, as previously the authority had said it would publicise its conclusions within June. The Commissioner for Transparency Haris Pogiatzis, who also heads the Anti-Corruption Authority, refused to provide further details, citing confidentiality.
According to Cyprus Mail, Mr Pogiatzis stated only that the authority has suspended all other cases it is investigating "until we complete this one" — referring to the investigation into 'Mafia State'.
Previously, the Authority had clarified that it would issue only a statement with its key findings and not the full report. Should any criminal liability be established, the material will be forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General.
The book 'Mafia State', by investigative journalist Makarios Droushiotis, was first published in late 2022. It presents Cyprus as a systematically corrupt state and makes allegations against former President Nicos Anastasiades and other senior officials. Mr Anastasiades has categorically rejected all allegations and has filed a lawsuit against Droushiotis for defamatory libel.
Researchers working for the Anti-Corruption Authority submitted their final report in late April. The dossier is reported to be approximately 3,000 pages in length, including appendices. During the investigation, the researchers conducted approximately 200 sessions, took statements from 150 people, and 793 pieces of evidence were submitted.
Source: Cyprus Mail