**NICOSIA, CYPRUS** – Ioanna Photiou, the social media personality known as Annie Alexui, who is currently sought by Cypriot authorities, has declared her unwillingness to return to her native Cyprus unless formally requested by trusted individuals within Russia, where she claims to have sought and been granted political asylum. Alexui’s pronouncements, made during a televised interview on Sigma channel on Friday, further complicate the ongoing investigations into her activities and cast a spotlight on the alleged involvement of Cypriot underworld figures and the controversial Paphos Mayor, Phedon Phedonos.
Alexui, who has been vocal on social media for approximately four to five years, stated that she feels secure in Russia, expressing unwavering confidence in the protection afforded to her by Russian authorities. This assertion comes amidst claims that elements of the Cypriot criminal underworld have actively pursued her in Russia, prompting her to withdraw a prior offer to communicate with Cypriot police via her personal mobile number. Henceforth, any official contact, she stipulated, must transpire within Russian territory and in the presence of her designated Russian contacts and law enforcement. This development marks a significant escalation from last month, when, following the announcement of an arrest warrant, Alexui had publicly disseminated her telephone number, a move she now appears to regret.
The social media personality also addressed her public accusations against Paphos Mayor Phedon Phedonos, asserting that her claims of him being a rapist were not speculative but were based on specific knowledge of alleged incidents, including precise dates and detailed information. Alexui further alleged to possess connections with informants within Cyprus’s Central Prisons, suggesting an intricate network of information gathering. While she admitted to researching and recording conversations with individuals associated with the criminal sphere, she staunchly denied any personal relationships with them. Her decision to remain in Russia is underpinned by a profound distrust in the Cypriot judicial system, which she believes is incapable of providing her with a fair trial.
Alexui’s stance suggests a calculated strategy, leveraging her perceived vulnerability and the publicity generated by the arrest warrant to her advantage. She implied that the Cypriot police’s efforts to locate her were somewhat performative, given that she believed they were already aware of her whereabouts. Her motivation, she articulated, is deeply personal, stating her intent to continue her online activities "until the day my mother is dead, in prison or the psychiatric hospital." This statement hints at a protracted personal struggle or perceived injustice that fuels her current trajectory. Furthermore, she alluded to a potential cessation of her public pronouncements should the "real culprits" in the Alexis Mavromichalis murder case be apprehended, suggesting a familial connection or a perceived implication in that high-profile investigation.
The implications of Alexui’s relocation and her bold declarations are far-reaching, drawing significant attention from Cypriot media and law enforcement. Her claims of asylum in Russia, coupled with her accusations against prominent figures and alleged underworld connections, have ignited a public discourse concerning criminal networks, the dissemination of sensitive information, and the challenges posed by individuals operating outside national jurisdictions. The Cypriot police’s active pursuit of Alexui underscores the seriousness with which her alleged offenses are being treated, while her confidence in Russian authorities highlights the complex international dynamics at play. The ongoing saga promises to remain a focal point of public and official scrutiny for the foreseeable future.