Paphos mayor Phedon Phedonos has been placed on leave whilst police investigate a woman’s allegation that he raped her approximately 10 years ago, alongside a separate ex-officio investigation into alleged domestic violence.
Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou suspended Phedonos yesterday, with the decision published in the Republic’s Official Gazette. Under Article 113(1) of the Municipalities Law, the mayor will receive one-third of his salary during the suspension.
Police are now seeking witnesses who might corroborate the woman’s account, following standard practice for such cases. Investigators have obtained statements from both the complainant and Paphos businessman Theodoros Aristodemou, according to information received.
Both the woman and Aristodemou have referenced other individuals who were allegedly aware of the complaint under investigation. Those persons will be called for questioning, sources said.
The investigation is being conducted under strict confidentiality, with the Law Office continuously briefed to provide guidance where needed.
The investigation into alleged assault against Phedonos’s wife appears more complicated, according to sources. Police have conducted searches at a hospital and elsewhere, and have called individuals who may have had knowledge of certain matters.
All evidence gathered so far has been submitted to the Law Office, which has requested additional investigative actions.
Lefkoniko mayor Pieris Gypsiοtis was also placed on leave yesterday under the same procedure. Gypsiοtis faces two domestic violence cases, with one currently pending before the courts.
The Interior Ministry notifications state that each mayor is automatically suspended from the publication date of the minister’s notification in the Official Gazette, as an investigation is being conducted into offences defined under the law.
The suspension ends upon conclusion of the investigation or full adjudication of the case, whether resulting in dismissal, acquittal or conviction.
If a mayor is acquitted or the investigation is terminated without charges being filed, he returns to his duties for the remainder of his term and is entitled to full recovery of the salary that was withheld.
Deputy Mayor and acting mayor Angelos Onesiforou said in a statement yesterday that the municipality continues and will continue its normal operations without any problems. Serving residents remains the municipal authority’s highest priority, he said.
Onesiforou expressed regret over what has come to light and the situation that has developed, whilst expressing absolute trust in the justice system and state institutions, which he said are the only bodies competent to investigate the facts.
He sent a message of unity, noting that in cooperation with the Municipal Council, efforts continue with seriousness, responsibility and a spirit of cooperation, with the good of the city as the goal.
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