The Permanent Assize Court of Paphos will announce on July 16 whether the trial involving suspended Paphos Mayor Phedon Phedonos will be held behind closed doors.
The decision is scheduled to be delivered at 9am. During Wednesday’s proceedings, held before a newly composed bench, Mr Phedonos pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.
The five charges read out in court concern rape, indecent assault against a woman, indecent assault against a woman by another act, assault causing actual bodily harm, and administering a drug or other substance capable of stupefying or overpowering a person’s resistance.
The prosecution, represented by Irini Savva, requested that the trial be conducted behind closed doors, citing the need to protect the complainant and the provisions of legislation concerning victims of offences of this nature. A three-page written submission was filed in support of the request.
Defence lawyer Christos Pourgourides told the court that the defence had initially intended to object. However, after examining the request and the relevant case law, it was agreed that the matter should be considered in the absence of the public.
The court ruled that the discussion of the request could involve references to elements of the case requiring protection. The hearing on that specific issue therefore continued without members of the public or media representatives present.
The court’s decision on whether the full hearing will proceed in public or behind closed doors will be announced on July 16.
The case has also been set for hearing over five consecutive court dates, from July 27 to July 31, with proceedings scheduled to begin at 9am each day.
Source: CNA
