Paphos, Cyprus. The case against suspended Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos, who is accused of rape, has been re-filed with Paphos district court. His attorney, Christos Pourgourides, confirmed the change in venue on Tuesday.
Change of venue and hearing dates
The indictment was initially filed with Limassol district court, with hearings scheduled to begin on April 2. The attorney-general’s office requested a change in venue, leading to the indictments being withdrawn in Limassol and re-filed in Paphos.
The first hearing in Paphos is scheduled for April 21.
Charges and next steps
Pourgourides said the indictment sheet includes four charges: rape, indecent assault, drugging/sedating a person with intent to commit a crime, and assault causing actual bodily harm.
After the initial hearing at Paphos district court, the case will be referred to the criminal court.
Background to the allegations
The case concerns allegations that Phedonos raped a woman in 2014. It resurfaced earlier this year following allegations about the affair by Paphos-based businessman Theodoros Aristodemou, a land developer with prior legal disputes with the Paphos municipality.
What do you expect to happen next as the case moves through the courts?