**Witnesses Testify as Phedonos Trial Resumes**
The trial of Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos resumed on Thursday at the Paphos criminal court, with the prosecution calling several witnesses who are familiar with the alleged victim in the case. Phedonos faces multiple serious charges, including rape, indecent assault against a woman, and assault causing actual bodily harm, among others. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The court proceedings are being held behind closed doors at the request of the state prosecutors, a decision aimed at protecting the privacy of the alleged victim. The trial commenced in late July, and prior to this session, more than ten witnesses had already testified, primarily consisting of police officers and forensic experts.
On Thursday, the witnesses called to the stand were co-workers of the alleged victim, providing insights into her character and circumstances surrounding the incident. Reports indicate that the complainant herself is expected to testify at a future date, although specific details regarding her testimony remain undetermined. It has been confirmed that she will appear in the courthouse but will testify via video conference from a separate room to ensure her comfort and safety.
The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for September 17, with sources close to the trial suggesting that the proceedings could conclude by the end of the year. The allegations against Phedonos first emerged in February when Theodoros Aristodemou, a land developer based in Paphos, accused him of committing the crime approximately ten years ago. Following the allegations, Phedonos was suspended from his position as mayor by Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou. Since his suspension, he has been receiving a third of his mayoral salary, while Angelos Onisiforou has been appointed as the acting mayor of Paphos.
As the trial continues, the community and stakeholders are closely monitoring the developments, given the high-profile nature of the case and its implications for local governance and public trust.