Testimony sparks major developments in case involving Paphos mayor

By Elizabeth Georgiou and Rafaella Dimitriades

A lengthy statement given by the woman described as the alleged victim appears to have marked a turning point in a highly serious case that has been unfolding in public view over recent days.

This development is seen as setting in motion all subsequent actions surrounding the case of Paphos Mayor Phaedon Phaedonos. According to information, the complainant reported that she was sexually abused, an offense that is alleged to have taken place more than a decade ago.

Her testimony was submitted just days after public comments by businessman Theodoros Aristodemou, who brought the serious allegations back into the spotlight.

A public, named allegation that triggered no action at the time

It is recalled that around ten years ago, Aristodemou publicly referred to the mayor by name as a “rapist and extortionist” during a live broadcast on the state channel RIK. Despite the gravity of the accusation, no investigation was launched at the time to the extent one would reasonably expect following such a serious and public claim.

Lawyer Simos Angelides, speaking on the program Enimerosi Tora, said that from that moment there was a clear obligation for the police to investigate. He stressed that because the allegations were both public and named, the lack of action was unjustifiable.

Today, however, the formal testimony given by the complainant to investigators at Police Headquarters has triggered the appropriate response by the police and, by extension, the Interior Ministry.

Police chief informs Interior Ministry

The Interior Ministry received an official briefing letter regarding ongoing criminal investigations involving both the Paphos mayor and the mayor of Lefkoniko.

In the case of Paphos Mayor Phaedonos, the briefing reportedly covers two separate cases currently under investigation:
– a police-initiated investigation into an alleged violent incident involving his wife, and
– a second, particularly serious case involving allegations of sexual abuse against a woman.

Sources indicate that it was the second case that proved decisive in shaping developments. It is also recalled that Aristodemou had given testimony in connection with the same case a few days earlier.

The letter from the Chief of Police activated provisions of Article 113 of the Municipalities Law, which applies to criminal investigations that carry a possible prison sentence of more than three years. This legal threshold led to the decision to place the mayors under suspension.

Do such offenses expire over time?

Legal sources note that the alleged offenses fall under the category of felonies and, due to their nature, are not subject to time limits in the way lesser offenses are. This allows the justice system to examine such cases even many years after the alleged events.

As for the possibility of arrest warrants being issued, this is not automatic. It requires an assessment of the evidence presented by investigators to a judge. The court must be convinced that an arrest is necessary for the purposes of the investigation, taking into account factors such as the risk of evidence tampering, obstruction of the investigation, or influencing witnesses.

At the same time, legal experts stress the need for restraint in public discussion. The presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial are constitutionally protected principles, repeatedly underlined by the Supreme Court, particularly in cases where excessive public exposure has been found to undermine the impartiality of proceedings, even leading to overturned rulings or retrials.

What comes next in Paphos and within DISY

Developments around the case of Paphos Mayor Phaedon Phaedonos are moving swiftly. According to the Interior Ministry, a decision has been taken to place him under suspension. Deputy Mayor Angelos Onisiforou is expected to assume mayoral duties from tomorrow.

Following this development, Phaedonos visited Paphos Town Hall on Wednesday afternoon to collect his personal belongings.

Before the Interior Ministry’s announcement, House Speaker and DISY leader Annita Demetriou said that “if the allegation is substantiated, we will be relentless.”

Speaking on Omega TV’s Enimerosi Tora, Demetriou stressed that due process must be respected and that authorities must do everything necessary to clarify the case. She said she had not yet spoken with the Chief of Police but intended to do so.

“Until yesterday, the information we had was that no complaint existed. We are waiting for official confirmation, and if there is anything political we need to do, we will do it,” she said. “There is nothing we can do and choose not to. We will be relentless if the allegation is substantiated.”

Demetriou also referred to a woman, Annie Alexiou, who has publicly spoken about a series of alleged offenses and cases. “The state has an obligation to listen and investigate what is true and what is not,” she said, adding that Alexiou has said she sought asylum and is now abroad while repeatedly calling for the authorities to examine all evidence.

“We are participating in a public discussion without knowing where it stands or where it is heading,” Demetriou said, questioning whether police are examining other cases as well.

DISY’s executive bureau is expected to meet on Thursday, as it does every week, with the Paphos mayor issue set to be discussed.

A party source described the situation as unprecedented and difficult. “We will examine it politically. We are not investigative authorities, that is not our role,” the source said.

What the law says about suspending elected officials

Under Article 113 of the Municipalities Law, a mayor, deputy mayor or councillor who is under criminal investigation for a felony or for an offense carrying a prison sentence of three years or more is automatically placed under suspension from the date the Interior Minister’s notice is published.

During the suspension, the official receives one-third of their salary.

The suspension ends once the investigation concludes or the case is fully tried and results in acquittal, dismissal or conviction. If the official is cleared or no charges are brought, they return to their duties and are entitled to full repayment of withheld salary.

If convicted, the official permanently forfeits the withheld salary and automatically loses their position, and the post is deemed vacant.

Awaiting the minister’s signature

The Interior Minister is currently abroad and is expected to approve the notice for publication upon returning later tonight. The decision will be published in an extraordinary edition of the Official Gazette on Friday.

Under the law, the suspension only takes effect once the notice is published in the Official Gazette.

The Interior Ministry has stressed that it will make no further comment, as the matter is now being handled by law enforcement authorities.