Paphos, Cyprus. Suspended Paphos Mayor Phedonas Phedonos spent two hours answering questions from police on Wednesday evening as investigations continue into allegations of rape made against him.
Police questioning and written statement
Local media reported that Phedonos submitted a three-page written statement to the police and provided no answers beyond that statement. Reports said about 20 people have already testified in the case, including the alleged victim and people from his environment.
Rape allegation resurfaced
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 later gave a statement to the police.
Domestic abuse allegations and response from Phedonos’ wife
Police are also reportedly investigating allegations of domestic abuse. The claims emerged after social media personality Ioanna Photiou, also known as Annie Alexui, said she holds documents related to admissions of Phedonos’ wife Louiza Andreou to Nicosia general hospital in 2017 stating she had been beaten by Phedonos.
Andreou denied the accusations, writing on social media that her family is being subjected to a coordinated attack. She said people who know her understand she is not a victim and has no fear, and that she has lived harmoniously with her husband for 20 years, describing him as wonderful, decent and honest.
Justice minister comments and Photiou’s status
Justice Minister Costas Fitiris said there are 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 a team from the Republic of Cyprus could travel to Russia to take a statement from her, or that she could submit a statement through a lawyer in Cyprus whom she trusts.
What do you think the police investigation will focus on next?
