Legal service orders criminal prosecution of suspended Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos

The Legal Service of Cyprus has issued instructions for the criminal prosecution of the suspended mayor of Paphos, Phedonas Phedonos, in connection with an alleged rape case. The decision follows a review of police investigative materials concerning an incident reportedly dating back to 2014. The investigation was reopened earlier this year following public accusations made by businessman Theodoros Aristodemou. It is expected that the case will be registered before the Criminal Court in the coming days. Reports indicate that the indictment will contain four criminal charges, including rape and indecent assault. Some sources also suggest the inclusion of a charge related to administering substances to induce a state of stupor or insensibility. While local media outlets have widely reported these instructions, the Legal Service has officially neither confirmed nor denied the specific details. The pending court proceedings do not imply guilt, as the case will now move to a formal judicial process.