The Paphos mayor trial will proceed before the Criminal Court after the District Court of Paphos, sitting on Monday morning, referred the case of the suspended Mayor of Paphos, Phedonas Phedonos, for hearing.
The case concerns allegations of rape involving a woman, which the complainant claims took place in 2014. The Criminal Court is scheduled to convene on 28 May.
Charges and bail conditions
Phedonos faces four charges in total, including rape, indecent assault, administration of a stupefying substance with intent to commit a felony or misdemeanour, and assault causing actual bodily harm.
As part of the proceedings, he signed bail of €100,000.
Court proceedings and legal arguments
The courtroom was reportedly full during the hearing, according to Sigma’s correspondent in Paphos. Phedonos was accompanied by his wife and his legal team, lawyers Epameinondas Korakidis and Christos Pourgourides.
At the start of the hearing, the Law Office requested that proceedings be held behind closed doors. The defence did not object at this stage but stressed that it would oppose such a request during the trial before the Criminal Court, arguing that the case has already been widely publicised and the public has a right to information.
Public reaction outside court
At the same time, a peaceful protest was held outside the Paphos Courthouse by a group of citizens, as announced on social media.
Phedonas Phedonos’ case moved forward on Tuesday as the suspended Mayor appeared before the Paphos District Court.
His appearance relates to a complaint alleging rape, dating back to 2014. The case concerns his referral to the Permanent Criminal Court sitting in Paphos.
Referral to Criminal Court underway
According to information from the Cyprus News Agency, a key issue expected to arise is whether the case will be tried in Paphos or transferred to another district.
The matter will be decided by the Law Office. If a change of venue is deemed necessary, a request will be submitted to the Supreme Court for approval.
Given that the alleged offence was committed in Paphos, special permission is required for the case to be heard in another district.
Charges and legal proceedings
The case had previously been suspended at the Limassol District Court to ensure proper legal procedure.
It has now been refiled at the Paphos District Court, where the alleged incident took place.
The indictment includes four charges: rape, indecent assault, administering substances to commit a felony or misdemeanour, and assault causing actual bodily harm.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Law Office representative Irene Savva was expected to confirm whether the accused had been informed of the charges, as part of the formal referral process.
Possible restrictive measures
The prosecution is also expected to request restrictive measures to ensure the defendant’s presence during trial proceedings.
The case was investigated following a complaint by a businessman and the alleged victim by a special unit of the Police Headquarters.
Meanwhile, a peaceful protest was scheduled outside the Paphos courthouse at 08:45, organised by a group of citizens via social media.
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