The trial of Paphos Mayor Phaedon Phaedonos, who is on suspension, continued on Thursday with the complainant testifying via video conference, according to reports. The proceedings are being held behind closed doors.
Her testimony is expected to be followed by cross-examination by defence lawyers Christos Pourgourides and Nondas Korakides at a subsequent hearing.
The same reports say the trial is expected to conclude before the end of 2026. Once the prosecution witnesses have completed their testimony, the Court will decide whether the prosecution has established a prima facie case. If it finds that it has, the defence lawyers are expected to call defence witnesses.
The complainant is expected to continue her testimony tomorrow, as well as face cross-examination, while giving evidence via video conference.
Five charges
A witness who had been expected to testify at previous hearings is not expected to do so, as he is being treated at a private hospital in Nicosia after experiencing health problems.
At the previous hearing, a senior Cyprus Police official testified, according to information provided to CNA. The witness was called by the prosecution representative and, during the period in question, when the offence is alleged to have taken place, was serving at the Police Headquarters Criminal Investigation Department.
The suspended Paphos mayor faces five charges: rape, indecent assault against a woman, indecent assault against a woman by another act, assault causing actual bodily harm, and administering a drug or other substance capable of stupefying or overpowering a person’s power of resistance.
The defendant has pleaded not guilty to all five charges. The Court set the next hearing for tomorrow, 16 October, at 9:00 a.m.
Source: CNA
