Suspended Paphos mayor Phedon Phedonos appeared before the Paphos Criminal Court to enter his plea on four serious charges: rape, indecent assault, administering a substance to stupefy, and assault causing actual bodily harm. The trial is expected to begin in early September if he denies the allegations, as he is anticipated to do.

The court session, starting at 9 a.m., formally presented the charges to Phedonos. If he denies the accusations, the court will schedule a substantive trial and summon witnesses from both prosecution and defense. The prosecution aims to have the proceedings held in camera.

Originally scheduled for May 28, the case was adjourned after the initial judge recused himself due to personal conflicts linked to Phedonos. A replacement judge, Maria Sokratous, has been appointed, and the three-judge panel now includes Lia Markou, Theodoros Symeonidis, and Maria Sokratous.