Trial of suspended Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos resumes

The criminal trial of suspended Paphos Mayor Phedonas Phedonos resumed on September 10, 2026, at the Permanent Criminal Court in Paphos. The proceedings, which are being held behind closed doors following a request by the prosecution, continue after an adjournment in July due to the unavailability of witnesses. Phedonos faces five serious charges: rape, indecent assault of a woman, indecent assault by another act, assault causing actual bodily harm, and administering a drug or substance to neutralize a person's resistance. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Since the trial began in late July, more than ten prosecution witnesses—primarily police investigators and experts—have testified. During the latest session, witnesses from the complainant's professional environment were called to the stand. While initial reports suggested nearly thirty witnesses might be called, current projections indicate the total number will likely be limited to around twenty as both sides work toward agreeing on certain facts. The complainant is expected to provide her testimony at a future date via video conference from a separate room within the courthouse to ensure her protection.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for September 17. Once the prosecution concludes calling its witnesses, the court will determine if there is a prima facie case to proceed, which would then allow the defense to present its own evidence.