Trial of suspended Paphos mayor Phedon Phedonos begins

The trial of the suspended Mayor of Paphos, Phedon Phedonos, commenced on July 27, 2026, before the Paphos Criminal Court. Phedonos faces five criminal charges, including rape, indecent assault, causing actual bodily harm, and the administration of intoxicating substances with the intent to facilitate a crime. Having entered a plea of not guilty to all counts, the defendant now faces proceedings that are being held behind closed doors to protect the privacy and testimony of the complainant. The court is currently presided over by a panel including Lia Markou, following the recusal of judge Nicodemos Fakontis earlier this year.

During the initial proceedings, the defense raised a preliminary motion requesting that the complainant be evaluated by a private psychiatrist of their choosing. This move aims to challenge the assessment previously conducted by a state psychiatrist during the investigation phase. The prosecution, now led by Senior Counsel of the Republic Mikaella Pasardi, began calling witnesses to testify. The court has scheduled hearings to continue daily through July 31, 2026, with further procedural developments expected later in the week regarding the continuation of the trial.