Trial of Paphos Mayor Phaidon Phaidonos continues following complainant cross-examination

The trial of the suspended Mayor of Paphos, Phaidon Phaidonos, is proceeding before the Permanent Assize Court in Paphos. On October 27, 2026, the court concluded the three-day cross-examination of the complainant, which followed a two-day direct examination. To protect the complainant's well-being, the proceedings were held behind closed doors with the defendant observing from an adjacent room.

Phaidonos faces five criminal charges, including rape, indecent assault, assault causing actual bodily harm, and the administration of substances to neutralize a person's resistance. The prosecution has yet to call two final witnesses, one of whom is businessman Theodoros Aristodemou; his testimony remains pending due to ongoing health issues and hospitalization in Nicosia. It is currently unclear if he will appear in person.

The court has scheduled the next hearings for November 2, 5, and 10, 2026, at 09:00, where the remaining witnesses are expected to testify. Once the prosecution rests its case, the court will determine if there is a prima facie case to answer, which would then allow the defense to present its own witnesses. Legal experts estimate that a verdict in the case is likely by the end of this year.