Appeals court upholds suspension of Paphos Mayor

The Administrative Court of Appeal in Cyprus has rejected an appeal filed by Paphos Mayor Phedon Phedonos, effectively maintaining his suspension from office. Phedonos was placed on mandatory leave on February 4, 2026, following a Ministry of Interior order prompted by a criminal investigation into serious allegations, including rape. The law stipulates that a mayor under investigation for a felony punishable by three or more years of imprisonment must be suspended upon the publication of an official government notice. On February 11, 2026, the Administrative Court initially ruled that the ministerial decision was lawful, noting the severity of the potential life sentence if convicted. In a 48-page ruling, the Court of Appeal dismissed all three points of the appellant's argument, finding no evidence of illegality or irreparable harm. The court further ordered Phedonos to pay 3,000 euros in legal costs. He will continue to receive one-third of his salary while the criminal case remains pending. The suspension will remain in effect until the conclusion of the legal proceedings.