The trial of the suspended Mayor of Paphos, Phaedon Phaedonos, began on July 27, 2026, at the Paphos Criminal Court. The proceedings are being held behind closed doors to protect the identity of the complainant, as ordered by the presiding judge, Lia Markou. The court has also issued a strict ban on the publication of any trial records.

Phaedonos has pleaded not guilty to all five charges brought against him, which include rape, two counts of indecent assault, drugging with intent to commit a felony or misdemeanor, and assault causing actual bodily harm. The court decided that a closed-door session is necessary to prevent potential social stigmatization of the victim and to avoid influencing the testimony due to fear or distress. The trial, which follows a change in the court's composition due to the recusal of Judge Nikodemos Fakontis, is scheduled to continue daily until July 31, 2026.