The trial of suspended Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos will be conducted behind closed doors, following a ruling issued today by the Permanent Criminal Court of Paphos.
The court was asked to rule on an application by the prosecution seeking to exclude members of the public and media representatives from the proceedings. The request was based on the need to protect the complainant and on legal provisions relating to victims of offences of this nature.
At the previous hearing on 24 June, the defendant was formally charged with five offences:
- Rape
- Indecent assault against a woman
- Indecent assault against a woman by another act
- Assault causing actual bodily harm
- Administering a drug or other substance capable of stupefying or overcoming a person's resistance
Phedonos entered not guilty pleas to all charges.
In support of its application, the prosecution submitted a three-page written argument. Defence lawyer Christos Pourgourides told the court that, after reviewing the application and relevant case law, he did not pursue an objection to the procedure used to examine the request.
The court had previously determined that discussion of the application could involve sensitive details relating to the case and, as a result, that hearing was also held without the presence of the public or journalists.
The case has been scheduled for hearing over five consecutive days, from 27 to 31 July, with proceedings beginning at 9am each day.
Following today's ruling, the entire trial will be conducted behind closed doors.
