Paphos, Cyprus. CID investigators are continuing inquiries after a businessman filed a complaint against Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos, authorities said Tuesday. Police said information is being evaluated and necessary actions will follow.
Police inquiry and ministry review
Police spokesperson Vyron Vyronos said all information related to the case is under evaluation and that investigations are continuing.
The interior ministry is awaiting an official police response before deciding whether circumstances warrant placing the mayor on leave under Article 113 of the municipalities law, which sets out suspension procedures for serious offences.
Separate allegations involving the mayor’s wife
Authorities said the allegation linked to the businessman’s complaint is separate from an ongoing investigation into alleged abuse involving the mayor’s wife, which first emerged in 2017 and was reopened following recent online disclosures.
The mayor’s wife rejected the domestic abuse claims, saying: “Those who know me in my workplace, family and social environment know that I am not a victim.”
The mayor described the investigation as a character assassination and a “merciless war” against him by an “alliance of political and economic entanglements and organised crime”.
Municipal council session suspended
The Paphos municipal council session scheduled on Monday was suspended after multiple members cited the pending decision of the interior ministry.
Council members said the postponement was necessary “not as a judgement on the merits or disrespect for the presumption of innocence of the mayor, but out of institutional prudence and respect for the process and society”.
Seven councillors attended the session while several groups, including Akel, withdrew.
What do you think the suspension of the council session means for municipal governance in Paphos?
