The following is a statement by MEPS from across the political spectrum of the European Parliament denouncing reports in the Cypriot media — carried with conviction of fact by Labour journalists here — slandering Maria Efimova who corroborated other eye witness accounts of wrongdoing at Pilatus Bank.

Brussels, 02 February 2018

Joint Statement

Recently, several reports published in the Cypriot media are incriminating and/or linking whistle-blower Maria Efimova with the murder of the Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

As a witness of public interest/whistle-blower, Maria Efimova released information on a Bank in Malta and was one of the sources of information for Daphne Caruana Galizia’s investigative reporting.

In our capacity as members from across the political groups of the European Parliament who participated in the Inquiry Committee on the Panama Papers and the ad hoc Delegation to Malta on 31 November/1 December our sole aim and sincere interest is the protection of all whistle-blowers who disclose information of public interest.

In this context, we strongly denounce and express our concern on how some media/press in Cyprus are covering the story of Maria Efimova. Their coverage is unfounded, misleading, defamatory and intimidating.  Potentially, putting whistleblower Maria Efimova and her family’s life at risk.

MEP David Casa (EPP), MEP Sven Giegold (Greens/EFA), MEP Ana Gomes (S&D), MEP Maria Grapini (S&D), MEP Stelios Kouloglou (GUE/NGL), MEP Patrick Le Hyaric (GUE/NGL), MEP Takis Hadjigeorgiou (GUE/NGL)

Note that the list of MEPs includes two Socialist MEPs and an MEP from Cyprus Takis Hadjigeorgiou.

Cypriot media reported, falsely, that Maria Efimova was arrested multiple times in multiple jurisdictions; accused multiple police forces of interrupting her pregnancies; is wanted in Ireland; is married to a man who had trouble at his workplace; and worst of all that she is wanted for killing Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Cypriot media did not spontaneously produce these stories. Someone with a motivation of putting her in danger, bringing her out when they can find her, and discrediting her, has briefed the press in this way.