Nicosia, Cyprus. Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos and Lefkoniko mayor-in-exile Pieris Gypsiotis have been placed on leave pending the outcome of criminal investigations, the interior ministry confirmed. The suspension applies automatically under Article 113 of the municipalities law when elected officials face charges carrying a potential prison sentence of more than three years.
Automatic suspension and gazette publication
The leave takes effect upon publication in the official gazette, which is expected in an extraordinary edition tomorrow following Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou’s return from Brussels tonight.
Police updates and investigations
The decision follows police updates to the ministry detailing ongoing investigations into alleged domestic violence offences involving both mayors.
Complaint involving Phedonas Phedonos
In the case of Phedonos, police are examining a complaint linked to a statement made by businessman Theodoros Aristodemou, who has accused the mayor of raping a family member of his around ten years ago. Aristodemou has also provided a detailed statement to authorities.
The alleged victim gave a five-hour statement to police on Tuesday, which is under review alongside a separate investigation into claims of domestic abuse involving the mayor’s wife. Police said the two cases are distinct.
Responses and next steps
Phedonos has denied all allegations and described the investigations as politically motivated. Authorities said all evidence and statements are being assessed before any further action.
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