Suspended Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos enters not guilty plea in court
On June 24, 2026, the suspended Mayor of Paphos, Phedonas Phedonos, appeared before the Permanent Criminal Court of Paphos. He entered a plea of not guilty to five criminal charges, including rape, indecent assault, assault causing actual bodily harm, and the administration of stupefying substances. The prosecution initially requested that the entire trial be held behind closed doors to protect the complainant, citing victim protection laws and the constitution. The defense, led by lawyers Christos Pourgourides and Epameinondas Korakides, objected to the request, arguing that the indictment should be read first. Ultimately, the court decided that the proceedings would be held in public, provided that the complainant’s name is excluded from the reading of the charges. The trial is scheduled for a five-day hearing period from July 27 to July 31, 2026, starting at 9:00 am each day.