A further delay has been recorded in the case involving suspended Paphos mayor Phedonos Phedonos, after judge Nikodimos Fakontis requested to be recused from the three‑member Criminal Court, prompting an adjournment of the proceedings to 24 June.
Fakontis, a member of the court, told the bench that there were grounds which could create a conflict of interest or the impression of compromised impartiality. During the hearing, he outlined three reasons supporting his recusal request.
The first relates to a civil lawsuit filed by his father against the accused in the SAPA case. Following his father’s death, the case was handled by his spouse in her capacity as a lawyer and administrator of the estate.
The second concerns a past dispute with members of the “Euseveia” association, in which members of his family are also involved.
Thirdly, he stated that relatives, including his sister, maintain ties with the accused, which could create perceptions affecting the impartiality of the proceedings.
The development led to the adjournment of the case, with the court setting 24 June at 09:00 for the defendants to respond to the charges, allowing time for the panel to be completed with a new judge.
The delay adds to a series of setbacks since the case began, drawing strong reactions from the defence and raising concerns among legal professionals about the handling of the proceedings.
Defence lawyer Christos Pourgourides welcomed Fakontis’s decision, saying “well done to Mr Fakontis for carrying out his duty,” while stressing that the case must proceed without further delay. The defence team, represented by Christos Pourgourides, Epameinontas Korakides, Maria Socratous and Elli Korakidou, expressed concern over repeated adjournments before the substantive hearing has even begun.
It was noted in court that the case was initially filed at the Limassol District Court in February. Under new procedural rules introduced in 2024, it should first have been filed in Paphos, where the alleged offences took place, before any transfer to another court.
Proceedings in Limassol were subsequently suspended to ensure proper legal procedure, and the case was refiled in the Paphos District Court.
The suspended mayor appeared before the Paphos court on 21 April and was referred to the Criminal Court, which convened on 28 May. During the latest hearing, Mr Pourgourides also warned of possible further delays after September, noting that the presiding judge of the Criminal Court, Lia Markou, is first on the promotion list and may be reassigned in the next judicial term.
In this context, legal circles have suggested establishing a dedicated three‑member Criminal Court to handle the case exclusively, potentially with frequent hearings, to avoid further delays in proceedings that are already significantly prolonged before the main trial phase.
According to the indictment, the defendant faces four serious charges, including rape, indecent assault, administering substances with intent to commit a serious offence, and assault causing actual bodily harm.
The case was investigated by a special police unit following a complaint filed by a businessman and the alleged victim. Authorities collected evidence and statements that led to the case being brought before the courts. The proceedings remain at a preliminary stage and do not constitute proof of guilt, as the court will determine the merits of the case. The trial is expected to be held behind closed doors.
