Newsroom
Lawyers for suspended Paphos mayor Phedon Phedonos have asked the court to allow the complainant to be examined by a private psychiatrist of their choosing, adding a new point of dispute to the high-profile criminal case.
The request comes despite the complainant having already been assessed by a government psychiatrist during the police investigation, before prosecutors filed the case.
The trial continued on Wednesday before the Permanent Criminal Court in Paphos, where prosecutors began presenting witness testimony after introducing documentary evidence. A member of the police investigative team has already taken the stand, with more investigators expected to testify before the prosecution calls people who gave statements during the investigation, including individuals from the complainant's family and social circle.
Another issue could soon come before the court: how the complainant will give evidence. Court procedures allow testimony to be delivered in person, from behind a screen inside the courtroom, or remotely by videoconference from another room within the Paphos courthouse.
The proceedings are being held behind closed doors after the court approved an application by the prosecution. Senior Counsel of the Republic Mikaella Pasiardi has represented the prosecution since Tuesday and will remain on the case until the trial concludes.
The case was previously handled by the Paphos office of the Legal Service before the indictment was filed.
Phedonos, who has been suspended from his duties as mayor, faces five charges: rape, indecent assault against a woman, indecent assault involving another act, assault causing actual bodily harm, and administering a drug or other substance capable of stupefying or overcoming a person's resistance. He has pleaded not guilty to every charge.
The next hearing is scheduled for Friday, when the court is expected to set further trial dates, likely for September, after this week's series of consecutive hearings concludes on July 31.
