Criminal proceedings against suspended Paphos mayor Phedon Phedonos moved to Paphos court

The criminal prosecution against the suspended mayor of Paphos, Phedon Phedonos, underwent a procedural change after a representative of the Limassol prosecution service suspended the proceedings at the Limassol District Court. Originally, Phedonos was scheduled to appear in Limassol on April 2, 2026, to be referred to the Criminal Court. The case has now been refiled in the Paphos District Court, with a new hearing date set for April 21, 2026. Phedonos faces four serious charges related to an alleged 2014 incident: rape, indecent assault, administering a stupefying substance with intent to commit a crime, and assault causing actual bodily harm. He was placed on mandatory leave on February 5, 2026, pursuant to Article 113 of the municipalities law. The investigation, conducted by a special team under strict secrecy, reportedly involves over 20 witness statements, including those from individuals who held public office at the time of the alleged offense. The initial decision to move the case to Limassol was made to ensure impartiality, but it has now been reassigned back to his home district.