Paphos, Cyprus. A new judge has been appointed to the criminal court in Paphos for the case of suspended Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos, who is on trial for rape and domestic abuse. The Supreme Court appointed Maria Socratous after Nikodemos Fakontis requested to recuse himself from the three-member panel.
Judicial panel reconstituted
Fakontis cited factors that could potentially create a conflict of interest or raise questions regarding the impartiality of the proceedings in seeking his recusal.
New trial composition
The new composition of the trial panel is presiding judge Lia Markou and district judges Theodoros Symeonides and Maria Socratous.
Charges and response
Phedonos faces four serious charges: rape, indecent assault, administering substances with intent to commit a felony or misdemeanour, and assault causing actual bodily harm.
Phedonos has repeatedly denied all the allegations.