Ioanna Fotiou, also known as Annie, has shared her concerns about the Cypriot authorities. She mentioned that she is thinking about submitting a written statement through a lawyer. She warned that she will push the authorities to open a case since they can’t act on their own.
On the program “Front Page,” she said her testimony could be submitted in writing via a lawyer, and she is considering this route. “I am thinking about it. I haven’t talked to the Russians; it’s an idea I discussed with some lawyers. Since they say they can’t proceed on their own, I will make them open a case,” she stated.
When asked about the Minister of Justice, Annie expressed initial optimism but now feels distrust: “I call him Firfiris. I have no trust. They repeat their nonsense so much that they might believe it at night.” She also doubts the Attorney General and the chance of having an independent criminal investigator appointed.
She was cautious about a possible personal summons for testimony in Cyprus. She stressed the need for an objective and fair investigation of her complaints. Her trust in the authorities has decreased “second by second.” She is disappointed with how the case has been handled, saying that videos and evidence she shared should have been taken seriously by now.
Annie pointed out institutional inaction, like from the Authority for Investigating Complaints against the Police and the Human Rights Committee. She plans to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights, arguing that her rights have been violated. About her life outside Cyprus, she considers Russia “her place” and describes Cyprus as a “hostile place.”
She spoke positively about how the Russian police responded and revealed that a high-ranking Cypriot police officer apologized to her. She clarified that she seeks accountability only from those responsible. Annie reiterated that while in Cyprus, she wasn’t given a chance to fully testify on serious issues like rape and mistreatment. She is unaware of any updates since leaving the country.
