Paphos mayor’s rape trial resumes with co-workers of complainant testifying

Paphos, Cyprus. The trial of suspended Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos resumed on Thursday, with prosecutors calling several co-workers of the alleged rape victim to testify.

Phedonos has pleaded not guilty to five charges, including rape, indecent assault and administering a substance with intent to prevent resistance.

Charges and proceedings

Phedonos faces charges of rape; indecent assault against a woman; indecent assault against a woman by another act, meaning non-physical; assault causing actual bodily harm; and administering a drug or substance to another person with the intent of rendering that person unable to resist.

The hearing at Paphos criminal court was held behind closed doors at the request of state prosecutors. Proceedings began in late July, and more than 10 witnesses have previously testified, most of them police officers and experts.

Further testimony expected

The complainant is expected to testify at a later date, which has not yet been set. She is expected to be physically present at the courthouse but to give evidence by video conference from a separate room.

The next hearing was scheduled for September 17. Sources close to the trial said proceedings were likely to conclude by the end of the year.

Background

The rape allegations emerged in February, when Paphos-based land developer Theodoros Aristodemou of Aristo Developers accused Phedonos of committing the offence around 10 years earlier and subsequently gave a statement to police.

Following the allegations, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou suspended Phedonos from his mayoral post. Since the suspension, Phedonos has received one-third of his mayoral salary from the state, while Angelos Onisiforou was appointed acting mayor of Paphos.