Paphos, Cyprus. Furloughed Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos has lost his bid to reverse the interior minister’s decision suspending him from his duties. Administrative court judge Stella Michael rejected the appeal.
Appeal and court ruling
Following the publication of the suspension in the government gazette on February 5, Phedonos filed an appeal with the administrative court seeking to set aside the decision. In his filing, he alleged that the minister’s action, the publication of the notice in the gazette, was “manifestly unlawful”.
Having reviewed the appeal, Michael rejected it.
Suspension terms and investigation
As a result, pursuant to the Municipalities Law, Phedonos will remain suspended from his duties until the police investigation is finished. While on furlough, he is entitled to one-third of his normal salary.
Allegations and charging status
The decision to suspend Phedonos followed allegations that he raped a woman several years ago and claims by a social media personality that he beat up his wife in 2017.
A municipal official does not have to be charged to be placed under suspension, and Phedonos has not been charged.
Arguments raised by the mayor
In his appeal, Phedonos argued that the suspension decision was unlawful because he had not received any “hearing” prior to the decision. He also said the minister’s action was not discretionary and that the minister had applied the law incorrectly.
What do you think about the court’s decision to uphold the suspension until the police investigation is completed?
