The trial of the suspended Mayor of Paphos, Phedonas Phedonos, began on July 27, 2026, before the Paphos Criminal Court. Following three procedural hearings, the court, presided over by Lia Markou, is conducting the proceedings behind closed doors to protect the identity and privacy of the female complainant. The court has also prohibited the publication of any trial minutes to avoid social stigmatization or potential intimidation of witnesses.

Phedonos faces five criminal charges, to which he has pleaded not guilty: one count of rape, two counts of indecent assault, one count of administering a substance to incapacitate for the purpose of committing an offense, and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm. The trial is currently scheduled to continue daily until July 31, 2026. The case features a reconstituted court following the recusal of judge Nicodemos Fakontis in May due to a conflict of interest.

Contextually, separate allegations regarding domestic abuse emerged via social media, though these appear distinct from the formal charges before the Criminal Court. Phedonos's wife, Louiza Andreou, has publicly denied claims that she was abused. The current proceedings represent the substantive start of the legal battle regarding the primary rape and assault allegations.