Paphos, Cyprus. Suspended Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos on Wednesday dismissed a blackmail complaint examined by police as a “ridiculous tale,” saying it stemmed from a private family dispute and was part of a coordinated political effort against him ahead of the 2028 elections.
Phedonos rejects allegations and cites property dispute
Speaking to the Cyprus Mail, Phedonos said allegations concerning a Turkish Cypriot business premise were being deliberately misrepresented.
He said those involved “should never have received” the property, arguing they were already employed at Paphos hospital, which he said was contrary to the rules governing such allocations, even though they were refugees.
“This is a family dispute dressed up as a scandal,” he said, adding: “It is being presented as something else entirely in order to assassinate my character.”
Link to disputes with Theodoros Aristodemou
Phedonos linked the complaint to ongoing disputes with Paphos land developer Theodoros Aristodemou, who has accused him of rape in a separate criminal investigation.
He referred to Aristodemou as “the man who chaired Laiki bank when it collapsed” and alleged he had “swapped land agreements around,” referring to past legal cases that ended in acquittals.
Background on Aristodemou
Aristodemou has been involved in high-profile disputes involving both the municipality and state authorities.
A prominent land developer, he previously served as chairman of Laiki Bank in the years preceding its collapse during the 2013 financial crisis.
In parallel with his banking role, Aristodemou has repeatedly clashed with municipal authorities over planning and development issues.
What do you think are the key issues raised by Phedonos in his response to the blackmail complaint?