Paphos, Cyprus. The interior ministry said on Friday it is examining whether an ongoing police investigation into Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos could trigger statutory procedures placing him on leave. The ministry has requested information from police about the scope and nature of the investigation.
Request for police information
The ministry has formally asked police for details of the investigation launched after social media posts alleged domestic abuse against the mayor’s wife. The allegations have been publicly denied by both the mayor and his spouse.
The request was sent by Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou to police chief Themistos Arnaoutis on Monday, a day after police announced they were investigating material circulating online.
Assessment under the municipalities bill
The ministry said it is seeking to determine whether the offences under examination fall within Article 113 of the municipalities bill, which provides for the automatic suspension of a mayor if certain serious offences are under investigation.
Article 113 stipulates that a mayor placed on leave receives one third of their salary during the suspension. If the case ends without charges or the official is acquitted, the mayor returns to office and is entitled to full recovery of withheld salary. A conviction would result in dismissal and forfeiture of the deducted pay.
Status of the police investigation
Police have yet to reply to the interior ministry’s letter and are understood to be considering consultation with the legal service before responding.
Investigators are examining three medical documents circulated online and are taking statements from individuals connected to the alleged events.
What impact could Article 113 procedures have on the running of the Paphos municipality while the investigation continues?
