Rapid developments occurred, Wednesday, concerning the Mayor of Paphos, Faidonas Faidonos, and the Mayor of Lefkoniko, Pieris Gypsiotis. The Police informed the Ministry of the Interior about the criminal offences under investigation against Faidonos, as well as about the case involving Gypsiotis, and it was decided to activate the provisions of the Municipalities Law so that both mayors would be immediately suspended.
It should be noted that a criminal case has been filed against the Mayor of Lefkoniko, Pieris Gypsiotis, at the Nicosia District Court, scheduled for hearing next March. The case concerns domestic violence, while a second, similar complaint against the same individual is also being investigated.
Faidonos' case
Attention naturally turns to the next steps of the Police regarding Faidonas Faidonos and the investigation into the alleged rape case. Essentially, the investigators from the Nicosia CID have two options: the first is to summon Mr Faidonos voluntarily for an investigative interview, during which he may consult a lawyer if he wishes, and the second is to issue an arrest warrant and conduct the interview following his detention.
In any case, Faidonos will need to present his position to the Police investigators on the very serious allegations made, so that decisions can be made on whether criminal prosecution is justified. He, of course, retains the right to remain silent.
Testimony
A key factor in yesterday’s developments was the lengthy testimony given to the CID investigators by the woman who claims to be a rape victim, as well as the complaint submitted by businessman Theodoros Aristodimou. After these testimonies were received, the Police leadership informed the Ministry of the Interior about offences being investigated against Faidonas Faidonos.
The official statement reads: "According to information received by the Ministry of the Interior from the competent authorities regarding criminal investigations by law enforcement against the Mayors of Paphos and Lefkoniko, which, if convicted, carry a prison sentence exceeding three years, Article 113 of the Municipalities Law is activated and they are automatically suspended until the investigations are completed and the cases are heard. It should be noted that the Minister of the Interior is abroad and upon his return, yesterday evening, he will approve the relevant notice for publication in an extraordinary edition of the Official Gazette of the Republic tomorrow. According to the law, the suspension takes effect only upon publication of the notice in the Official Gazette of the Republic."
The suspension of Faidonas Faidonos does not affect the Police criminal investigation in either case. In addition to the alleged rape case, an investigation is also underway into an alleged assault on his wife. No complaint has been made by his wife regarding this second matter, and she has repeatedly stated in public posts that the allegations are false and that she has no grievances against her husband.
Regarding the alleged rape, the woman provided detailed information in her lengthy testimony, which is supported by the statements of businessman Theodoros Aristodimou. The businessman stated publicly that he provided names to the Police to assist investigators. The investigation is still at an early stage, and the next steps will depend on the witness material. A source told Politis that the timing of the alleged offences, even if they occurred years ago, does not affect the criminal investigation. "At present, the investigators are trying to determine, based on evidence and testimonies, whether the alleged offences are substantiated and whether it is justified to recommend criminal prosecution," the source said.
Annita: "We will be relentless"
In statements to Omega, DISY President Annita Dimitriou said, "We will be relentless if the complaint is substantiated. Caution is needed, and we will respect the process to ensure everything necessary is done to clarify the case. We cannot personalise or frame anything questionable ideologically, and it does not matter if it involves a DISY member."
She added that she would contact the Chief of Police for updates on the Faidonos case. She stressed that such serious complaints require immediate police investigation. Regarding the case of Nikos Sykas, she noted that the political handling was different because he was a party candidate. "The party acted correctly in the case of Nikos Sykas. However, we cannot intervene in the progress of the current process or prejudge guilt," she said, emphasising that DISY would act politically if possible.
Following the publication in the Official Gazette of the Minister of the Interior’s decision to suspend the Mayors of Paphos and Lefkoniko, updates are expected on their replacements. In Paphos, duties are expected to be assumed by Deputy Mayor Angelos Onesiforou, and in the occupied Lefkoniko Municipality by Deputy Mayor Theodoros Choiras.
Suspension with reduced pay
The Municipalities Law explicitly provides for the situation where a mayor, deputy mayor, or council member is suspended. In detail:
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A mayor, deputy mayor, or councillor suspended under the provisions of paragraph (1) receives one-third of the prescribed remuneration for the entire period of suspension.
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The suspension ends with the completion of the investigation or the full trial of the case, and with the acquittal, dismissal, or conviction of the mayor, deputy mayor, or councillor under investigation, and the Minister issues a notice terminating the suspension.
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If a mayor, deputy mayor, or councillor is acquitted or the investigation ends without charges, they return to their duties for the remainder of the term and are entitled to full recovery of the remuneration withheld.
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In the event of a conviction for the offences specified in paragraph (1), they are not entitled to recover the withheld remuneration, automatically lose their position, and the post is considered vacant, with the Minister issuing a notice accordingly.