Alpha News

Why Now? Explaining the Arrest Warrant for 'Annie Alexiou'

Published January 22, 2026, 06:29

The Cypriot Police have initiated procedures for an arrest warrant against Ioanna Fotiou, known as 'Annie Alexiou', despite at least 12 warrants already being outstanding. Annie claims to have sought asylum in Russia, fearing for her life. This move raises questions, as Annie has made serious allegations through social media, involving police officers, prisoners, and the underworld. Legal expert Simos Angelidis commented that the issuance of an international warrant suggests the Police believe Annie is not in Cyprus, while questioning the reason for the publicity in Cyprus. He also noted that the offenses for which she is wanted (data processing, false news, harassment) are not typically those leading to international warrants. There are contradictions between the Police's statements and Annie's, as the latter claims the warrants already existed. The situation in Russia, which has suspended cooperation with European countries on extradition matters, further complicates the case. Mr. Angelidis does not believe Annie's allegations are baseless, suggesting that the Police should have launched an ex officio investigation into the evidence she has presented.