Nicosia, Cyprus. Disy said on Thursday it removed suspended Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos and suspended Lefkoniko mayor-in-exile Pieris Gypsiotis from their roles within the party until their suspensions from mayoral duties end.
Party decision and position
The party said the move will remain in place until the suspension of each man from his mayoral duties comes to an end. Disy stressed that “everyone is considered innocent until proven guilty” and that “the investigation of each case belongs exclusively to the investigative authorities”.
Disy said it is reiterating its position that all matters and individuals should be investigated and that appropriate charges should be brought, adding that it supports transparency, checks and balances, and “zero tolerance for anything reprehensible”.
Suspensions and pay provisions
Phedonos and Gypsiotis were formally suspended from their roles on Thursday. While suspended from their duties, both men are set to receive a third of their salaries.
The suspensions will end when legal proceedings regarding the allegations against them have concluded. If they return to their duties, they will be entitled to the full amount of the salaries they lost during the period of suspension.
Allegations
Both men have been accused of domestic abuse, and Phedonos has also been accused of rape.
What should happen to party officials’ roles while legal proceedings against them are ongoing?