Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos is being suspended from his duties today after a woman gave a five-hour statement to police alleging he raped her 10 years ago.
The Interior Ministry moved to remove Phedonos after Police informed Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou that they are investigating the mayor under Article 144 of the Criminal Code, which covers rape and carries a life imprisonment penalty.
Lefkoniko mayor Pieris Gypsiotes is also being suspended over a separate domestic violence investigation.
The woman’s statement, given the day before yesterday, referenced events and actions that must now be examined thoroughly, according to police. Businessman Theodoros Aristodemou had previously made a statement with the same allegations against the mayor.
Yesterday, Police Chief responded to Interior Ministry Director General Elikkos Elias confirming the rape investigation. The Criminal Code article defines rape as unlawful intercourse through vaginal, anal or oral penetration without consent or with consent given under duress, threat or fear.
Police will call the mayor for questioning once they complete taking statements and other required actions. He will be able to give his own account if he wishes, police said.
The suspension of both mayors takes effect today when the notification is published in an extraordinary edition of the Official Gazette. The Interior Minister, who was abroad yesterday, will approve the publication upon his return.
Under Article 113 of the Municipalities Law, mayors are automatically suspended when under investigation for crimes carrying prison sentences exceeding three years, until investigations are completed and cases are tried.
Police are also investigating a separate case concerning alleged assault against Phedonos’s wife, though matters there remain unclear. There is no complaint, no complainant, and the alleged victim has repeatedly denied the reports and requested that investigations stop. However, police continue gathering evidence.
Investigations into the Paphos mayor are being kept under complete secrecy and the department conducting them has not been disclosed. In the recent past, an anonymous letter arrived at police alleging serious criminal acts against the mayor, sources said.
The individuals named in that letter were unwilling to give statements and the case did not proceed.
