Suspended Paphos mayor to appear in court over 2014 rape charges

Suspended Paphos Mayor Phaidonas Phaidonos is appearing before the Paphos District Court today to be referred to the Permanent Assize Court. He faces four charges, including rape, indecent assault, administering narcotics with intent to commit a crime, and assault causing actual bodily harm. The alleged incident dates back to 2014. The case was previously filed in Limassol but was withdrawn and refiled in Paphos, where the alleged offense took place. The Legal Service is currently considering whether to hold the trial in the Paphos Assize Court or seek permission from the Supreme Court to move it to another district. Prosecutors are expected to request restrictive measures and bail for the accused. Some citizens have organized a protest outside the courthouse. The proceedings are expected to address the procedural referral to the higher court and the imposition of conditions for the defendant's release pending trial.