Paphos, Cyprus. Suspended Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos is due to appear before Paphos criminal court on Thursday in connection with an alleged rape case. Charges are expected to be formally read out at the hearing, and Phedonos is set to enter a plea.
Closed hearing request
Reports say the prosecution is expected to ask for the trial to be held behind closed doors before proceedings begin, citing legal provisions aimed at protecting the privacy of the alleged victim. At the previous hearing before the Paphos district court, where the accused was referred directly to trial before the criminal court, prosecutor Eirini Savva made a similar request.
Legal basis cited by prosecution
Savva said the application was based on provisions concerning the protection of victims and witnesses, especially in cases involving violence against women. The prosecution has said rape offences fall within that category and require additional protective measures for the alleged victim.
Defence position and charges
Defence lawyers Christos Pourgourides and Epameondas Korakides are expected to object to the request on Thursday, having already indicated their opposition at the referral hearing. As a condition of his appearance before the criminal court, the suspended mayor signed a personal guarantee of €100,000.
According to the indictment, Phedonos faces four charges: rape, indecent assault, administering substances with intent to commit a felony or misdemeanour, and assault causing actual bodily harm. The case was investigated by a special police team from police headquarters after a complaint filed by a businessman and the alleged victim.
