Suspended Paphos Mayor Phedonas Phedonos is appearing today before the Paphos Permanent Assize Court in connection with a case in which he faces charges of rape and other offences.
Today's proceedings are expected to begin with the formal reading of charges, at which point Mr Phedonos will be asked to enter a plea.
It is also possible that the prosecution authority will submit a request today for the hearing to be conducted in camera, on the basis of relevant case law and the need to protect the alleged victim. At the District Court of Paphos, before the accused was committed for trial directly before the Assize Court, the prosecution representative had already submitted such a request, citing the need to protect the alleged victim's privacy.
That request was based both on the provisions of the relevant law and on regulations concerning the protection of victims and witnesses, particularly in cases of violence against women. It was also emphasised that the offence of rape falls within this category and requires enhanced protective measures.
The defence
The suspended Paphos Mayor's defence lawyers, Christos Pourourides and Epaminondas Korakidis, are expected to object to any request for in camera proceedings, as they had indicated at the committal hearing.
The charges
According to the indictment, the suspended Paphos Mayor faces four charges:
- Rape
- Indecent assault
- Administering a substance to stupefy with intent to commit a felony or misdemeanour
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm
The case was investigated by a special investigation team at Police Headquarters, following a complaint by a businessman and the alleged victim.
Source:cna
