Nicosia, Cyprus. The case file on allegations of rape against suspended Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos was handed over to the legal service on Thursday. The legal service confirmed receipt of the file to the Cyprus Mail.
Case file and police questioning
Television channel Omega reported that the file includes recommendations from the case investigator and statements from various individuals, including the alleged victim.
Phedonos spent two hours answering police questions last week, according to reports at the time. Media outlets also reported that he submitted a three-page written statement and did not answer questions beyond what was contained in that statement.
Reports also said that about 20 people have testified to police in the case, including the alleged victim and people described as being from his environment. Police are also reportedly investigating allegations of domestic abuse made against him.
Renewed rape allegations and statement to police
Allegations of rape against Phedonos resurfaced earlier this month when Paphos-based land developer Theodoros Aristodemou, of Aristo Developers, accused him of committing the crime around 10 years ago and then gave a statement to police.
Domestic abuse claims and denial by Louiza Andreou
Separate allegations of domestic abuse emerged after social media personality Ioanna Photiou, known as Annie Alexui, said she held documents related to admissions of Phedonos’ wife, Louiza Andreou, to Nicosia general hospital in 2017 that stated she had been beaten by Phedonos.
Andreou denied the accusations against her husband, writing on social media that her family was being subjected to a coordinated attack. She wrote that people who know her in her workplace, extended family, and among friends know she is not a victim and has no fear, and that she has lived harmoniously with her husband for 20 years.
Justice minister comments on taking a statement from Photiou
Justice Minister Costas Fitiris said there were ways to get around arrest warrants issued in Photiou’s name to allow her to make a statement.
Photiou is in self-imposed exile in Russia, and Fitiris suggested that a team from the Republic of Cyprus could travel to Russia to take her statement or that she could provide a statement through a lawyer in Cyprus whom she trusts.
What do you think should happen next in the investigations involving Phedonas Phedonos and the related allegations?
