The Paphos Criminal Court ruled that the trial of the suspended mayor of Paphos, Faidon Faidonos, would be held behind closed doors.

Mr. Faidonos has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him, which were read to him during the most recent hearing before the Court’s new panel.

The charges include, among others, rape, indecent assault against a woman, indecent assault by another act, assault causing actual bodily harm, as well as administering a drug or other substance capable of sedating or incapacitating a person.

The representative of the Prosecution, Irini Savva, had requested that the trial be held behind closed doors, citing the need to protect the complainant and the relevant legal provisions for victims of crimes of this nature.

On the defense side, the defendant’s attorney, Christos Pourgouridis, had stated that there was initially an intention to file an objection; however, after reviewing the motion and the relevant case law, it was agreed that the hearing should take place behind closed doors.

The Court had decided that the hearing on the motion should take place without the presence of the public or media representatives, as it may involve references to case details that require protection.

Meanwhile, the case has been scheduled for hearings on five consecutive court days, from July 27 to July 31, beginning at 9:00 a.m. each day.