Newsroom
A high-profile rape trial involving the suspended mayor of Paphos was briefly delayed on Tuesday before it even began, after the presiding judge asked to withdraw from the case due to potential conflict of interest concerns.
The judge, Nikodimos Fakontis, cited several reasons for his recusal, including past legal matters connected to Paphos Mayor Phaedon Phaedonos, a separate dispute involving the Sewerage Board in which the judge’s father had filed a lawsuit, as well as links between the accused and relatives of the judge through a social club. The judge also noted that his sister has close personal ties with members of the defendant’s family.
The case is being heard before the Permanent Assize Court in Paphos, where Phaedonos appeared on Tuesday in connection with serious allegations of rape. He is expected to formally respond to the charges during the proceedings.
According to court information, the prosecution is also expected to request that parts of the trial be held behind closed doors, citing the need to protect the privacy and identity of the alleged victim.
This request follows earlier proceedings in which the prosecution had already asked for closed hearings under legislation designed to protect victims and witnesses in cases involving sexual violence, particularly women.
Prosecutors argue that the legal framework requires enhanced safeguards given the sensitive nature of the allegations.
Defense lawyers, Christos Pourgourides and Epameinondas Korakidis, are expected to object to closed-door proceedings, as they had indicated in earlier hearings.
Phaedonos has been released under strict conditions after signing a personal guarantee of €100,000.
He faces four charges, including rape, indecent assault, administering a stupefying substance with intent to commit a felony, and assault causing actual bodily harm.
The case was investigated by a special police unit at headquarters following complaints by a businesswoman and the alleged victim.
