Suspended Paphos mayor referred to criminal court on rape charges

On April 21, 2026, the suspended Mayor of Paphos, Phedon Phedonos, appeared before the Paphos District Court, where he was formally referred to the Paphos Criminal Court for a trial scheduled to begin on May 28, 2026. Phedonos faces four serious charges: rape, indecent assault, administering a stupefying substance with intent to commit a felony or misdemeanour, and assault causing actual bodily harm. These charges stem from a complaint regarding an alleged incident in 2014. The court ordered that the current proceedings be held behind closed doors to protect the alleged victim's privacy, a request made by the prosecution and not opposed by the defense at this stage. However, defense lawyer Christos Pourgourides indicated that the defense team intends to request public proceedings during the actual criminal trial to ensure transparency. The defendant was released on bail of 100,000 euros. Phedonos has been on mandatory leave since February 5, 2026, following the triggering of Article 113 of the municipalities law. The case was previously filed in Limassol but was refiled in Paphos, where the alleged offence took place, following a suspension of the initial proceedings.