Suspended Paphos Mayor Phedon Phedonos has been committed to stand trial before the Paphos Criminal Court on May 28 on four criminal charges, including rape, and released on bail of 100,000 euros.
The committal proceedings at Paphos District Court were completed within minutes. Phedonos faces charges of rape, indecent assault, drugging a person with intent to commit a felony or misdemeanour, and assault causing actual bodily harm.
The hearing was held behind closed doors at the request of the Law Office. Defence lawyer Pourgouridis did not object, but signalled that the defence would later seek to have proceedings held in public, arguing that his client had been publicly shamed.
The alleged offence dates to 2014, some 12 years ago. A special investigation team was set up to handle the case and worked under conditions of secrecy. Investigators reportedly received more than 20 statements, among them, according to reports, from individuals who held public sector positions at the time of the alleged offence.
Phedonos arrived at Paphos District Court at 8.30 am accompanied by his defence legal team and his wife. His arrival was without incident. A gathering of citizens against corruption that had been announced the previous day did not take place.
Background
Phedonos was placed on mandatory leave on 5 February 2026 under Article 113 of the municipalities law, which is triggered automatically when elected officials face charges carrying a potential prison sentence of more than three years.
The allegations resurfaced in February when Paphos land developer Theodoros Aristodemou accused Phedonos of committing the alleged offence around ten years ago and gave a statement to police.
Phedonos has consistently denied the allegations, describing them as politically motivated and characterising the case as an “orchestrated attack” and a “political assassination.”