Judge Nikodimos Fakontis has requested to be recused from the three‑member Criminal Court hearing the case involving suspended Paphos mayor Phedonos Phedonos, citing reasons that could raise concerns about impartiality.
During today’s proceedings, Fakontis outlined three grounds on which he believes his participation in the panel could create a conflict of interest or give the impression of bias.
The first concerns a civil lawsuit filed by his father against the accused in the SAPA case. After his father’s death, the case was taken over by his spouse in her capacity as a lawyer and administrator of the estate.
Secondly, Fakontis referred to a previous dispute with members of the “Euseveia” association, in which members of his family are also involved.
Thirdly, he noted that relatives of his maintain relationships with the accused, which, he argued, could give rise to perceptions of compromised impartiality.
Commenting on the development, defence lawyer Christos Pourgourides welcomed the move, stating “well done to Mr Fakontis,” while stressing that the case should proceed without further delay.
The hearing has been adjourned to 24 June.
