ECHR accepts complaint by journalist Makarios Drousiotis against Cyprus

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has notified that it has accepted for consideration a complaint by journalist and author Makarios Drousiotis against the Republic of Cyprus.

The complaint concerns alleged violations of Articles 8, 10, and 13 of the European Convention on Human Rights — the right to respect for private life, freedom of expression, and the right to an effective remedy.

The applicant claims he was targeted by illegal surveillance using advanced spyware. According to him, there were intrusions into his computers, mobile phones, cloud accounts, and even his home security systems, as well as instances of physical surveillance. He states that his personal data, including sensitive information and details about journalistic sources, were obtained without his knowledge or consent.

According to the complaint, independent technical expertise in the Netherlands revealed the installation of modified software allowing remote access to his files and communications.

Drousiotis also asserts that Cypriot authorities failed to conduct an effective and independent investigation, did not take necessary investigative steps, and misled him regarding a legal request to the US to obtain data from Google.

Furthermore, the complaint mentions the use of highly invasive surveillance systems in Cyprus, including Pegasus, without sufficient legal safeguards or control mechanisms. The applicant believes that current legislation does not meet the "quality of law" requirements under Article 8 of the Convention.

Under Article 10, he claims that the surveillance and actions aimed at intimidating him are part of a broader attempt to restrict his investigative activities and press freedom. The violation of the protection of journalistic sources is particularly highlighted. It is also noted that cybercrime unit officers filed defamation lawsuits against him, while the former president and his associates initiated several legal proceedings, which the applicant considers an abuse of law (SLAPP).

Under Article 13, he claims a lack of effective domestic remedies to challenge potential secret surveillance.

The Cypriot state must now submit written observations on the admissibility and merits of the case. After the exchange of memorandums, the ECHR will issue a ruling on the merits and, if necessary, on the issue of just satisfaction. The journalist is represented by lawyer Leto Cariolou.