Clerides ‘fears for his own life’, distances himself from client ‘Sandy’

Lawyer Nikos Clerides expressed serious concerns regarding the handling of the investigation into allegations made by his client ‘Sandy’, claiming pressure, collusion and institutional interference are undermining the integrity of the process.

Speaking to the CyprusNewsAgency on Tuesday, he called for an independent international inquiry, saying he does not trust local authorities and fears for his life.

Clerides insisted that the development of the case has been shaped by Sandy’s own actions, describing her retraction of earlier complaints as the result of external pressure rather than a voluntary decision.

“She denies it because she is under the rule of fear and because she thus received instructions from elsewhere. And let the wise man understand,” he remarked.

He added that the police unit investigating the matter appears unaware of where ‘Sandy’ made her statements, raising questions over procedural lapses.

“Is it possible? That they don’t know if she gave a statement and where? All of this points to collusion,” he argued.

The lawyer markedly distanced himself from Sandy, saying he would no longer represent her if it were confirmed she admitted to fabricating messages central to the case.

“I am not speaking on her behalf. I am speaking as a witness, who has testified and has presented to the competent authorities what I know,” he said.

He also claimed investigators are attempting to target him and journalist Makarios Drousiotis rather than address the allegations themselves.

Clerides provided over seven hours of testimony and submitted a USB containing text messages and digital material attributed to ‘Sandy’ on Monday.

He insisted the messages are authentic, saying, that “there are so many and the way they are written, that not even the best screenwriter who won ten Oscars could have constructed them.”

He acknowledged legal constraints, adding that illegally obtained material cannot be directly used in court but may prompt further investigations.

He stressed that allegations of paedophilia levied against former supreme court judge Michalakis Christodoulou, made in Drousiotis’ initial claims, cannot proceed without Sandy as a complainant.

Clerides reiterated that he had initially withheld the material due to its sensitive nature, involving high-level individuals and concerns for Sandy’s safety.

She left Cyprus for Germany with diplomatic support and remains abroad at age 45.

Clerides emphasised that he had encouraged her to report allegations against Christodoulou at the time he was first informed, but she declined citing “fear for her own safety.”

The material was later passed to Drousiotis.

Clerides criticised the timing and management of Drousiotis’ disclosures, asserting that prior publication of data without coordination “created chaos” and shifted control of the narrative.

He also questioned the investigative process, particularly why ‘Sandy’ has not been properly interrogated despite retracting her initial claims.

Addressing concerns for his personal safety, Clerides said, “I feel like I’m in danger. I’m a very healthy person and I hope it doesn’t get out that I committed suicide or anything like that.”

He further challenged the competence and independence of the authorities, highlighting that the investigative team was appointed by police chief Themistos Arnaoutis and expressing scepticism over statements by Justice Minister Costas Fitiris, who said initial material submitted by Drousiotis consisted of a written account rather than direct evidence.

Clerides has urged authorities to allow independent verification of statements and material to ensure the investigation is credible.