The criminal prosecution against suspended Paphos mayor Phedon Phedonos was suspended this morning in a last-minute development, on the eve of a hearing scheduled for tomorrow at which his case was due to be referred for trial at the Criminal Court.
According to sources, a representative of the Limassol prosecution service appeared at Limassol District Court today and, exercising the powers of the Attorney General, suspended the criminal proceedings against Phedonos. The court granted leave for the proceedings to be stayed. The same sources indicate the case is expected to be refiled in a court in another district.
Phedonos faces four charges relating to an alleged incident in 2014: rape, indecent assault, administering a stupefying substance with intent to commit a felony or misdemeanour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The case was investigated by a special team set up for the purpose, operating under conditions of secrecy. Investigators are reported to have taken more than 20 statements, including from individuals who held public positions at the time of the alleged offence.
Background
The case was transferred to Limassol District Court because authorities determined that a trial in the local Paphos district might compromise impartiality.
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.”
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