Paphos, Cyprus. Police said they took a lengthy statement on Tuesday from the alleged rape victim linked to a complaint raised by businessman Theodoros Aristodemou against Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos. Police confirmed on Wednesday that statements have been taken and evidence is being assessed.
Statement linked to allegations
The testimony, reported to have lasted about five hours, relates to allegations raised by Aristodemou, who has accused the mayor of raping the victim, believed to be a family member, 10 years ago.
Separate investigation cited by police
Police said they are examining the complaint alongside a separate investigation into allegations of domestic abuse involving the mayor’s wife, stressing the two matters are distinct.
Aristodemou’s remarks and police assessment
Aristodemou confirmed he has also given a detailed statement to police regarding the allegations. Speaking on Tuesday, he reiterated claims he made around a decade ago, when he described Phedonos as “a rapist and a blackmailer”.
“I reported it on television on the programme that existed at the time on CyBC. I didn’t feel that I needed to make another complaint,” he said.
He added that he had challenged the mayor to take legal action against him.
“I challenged him to sue me so that I could take him to court, he neither took me nor moved against me,” Aristodemou said.
Police told the Cyprus Mail that all material would be evaluated before any decisions are taken.
What do you think should happen next as police assess the statements and evidence in the case?
