With key prosecution witnesses called to testify, the the closed-door hearing before the Paphos Permanent Criminal Court in the case against the suspended Mayor of Paphos, Faidon Faidonos.
According to reports, witnesses from the complainant’s workplace testified at today’s hearing, while the prosecution continued to present its case.
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Since the start of the trial in late July, more than ten prosecution witnesses have testified, the majority of whom are members of the police investigation team and experts.
The complainant’s own testimony is expected to carry particular weight in the progression and final outcome of the case. According to reports, the prosecution is seeking to have her testimony given in person at the courthouse, but not inside the courtroom where the Criminal Court is in session. It is most likely that her testimony will be given from another room via videoconference.
The last scheduled hearing did not take place, as the prosecution had been unable to secure the presence of additional witnesses. Consequently, the case has been rescheduled for today, September 10.
The hearing is being held behind closed doors and without the presence of the public, following a decision by the Court, which granted a relevant request by the prosecution.
The prosecution is represented, until the conclusion of the proceedings before the Paphos Permanent Criminal Court, by Senior Attorney of the Republic Mikaella Pasiardi.
The suspended Mayor of Paphos faces five charges, which include rape, indecent assault against a woman, indecent assault against a woman involving another act, assault resulting in actual bodily harm, and administering a drug or other substance capable of sedating or neutralizing a person’s ability to resist.
The defendant has pleaded not guilty to all five charges.
The proceedings before the Criminal Court are continuing, with the next hearing scheduled for September 17.
Source: CNA
*Photo from a previous court hearing
