Paphos, Cyprus. Land developer Theodoros Aristodemou said he has given a detailed statement to police accusing Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos of being “a rapist and a blackmailer”. Police said the complaint is distinct from an ongoing probe into allegations of domestic abuse involving the mayor’s wife.
Police questioning and separate investigation
Aristodemou confirmed he was questioned by investigators as part of a criminal complaint against the mayor. Police have stressed the complaint is separate from the domestic abuse investigation involving the mayor’s wife.
Decade-old public accusations
Speaking on Sigma TV, Aristodemou said he had publicly accused Phedonos around ten years ago of being “a rapist and a blackmailer” and that he never withdrew those claims. He said he reported the allegations on a CyBC television programme at the time and did not feel he needed to make another complaint.
Challenge for legal action
Aristodemou said he had openly challenged the mayor to take legal action against him. He said he invited Phedonos to sue him so he could prove the allegations in court, adding that the mayor neither sued him nor took action against him.
Position on potential criminal case
Asked whether the statement he gave to police this week could substantiate a criminal case, Aristodemou declined to speculate. He said he stated what he believes is correct.
Contact with alleged victim and cooperation
Aristodemou said he has not been in contact with the alleged victim who had originally confided the complaint to him and that the case dates to when the allegations were first raised publicly. He said he has always been willing to cooperate with authorities and to report to any authority what he had said on television, adding that he believes his testimony was specific.
What do you think the next steps should be in police handling of this complaint?