At 9 a.m. today, the Paphos Permanent Criminal Court will announce its decision on whether the hearing in the case involving the suspended Mayor of Paphos, Phaedon Phaedonos, will be held behind closed doors or not.

Mr. Faidonos pleaded not guilty to all charges against him during the most recent hearing on June 24, which took place before the Court’s new panel of judges.

During the hearing, the five charges against the defendant were read aloud; they concern rape, indecent assault against a woman, indecent assault against a woman involving another act, an assault causing actual bodily harm, and the administration of a drug or other substance capable of drugging or neutralizing a person’s ability to resist. Mr. Faidonos replied that he does not admit to any of the charges.

The representative of the Prosecution, Irini Savva, filed a motion requesting that the trial be held behind closed doors, citing the need to protect the complainant and the provisions of the relevant legislation concerning victims of crimes of this nature. A three-page written brief was filed with the court in support of the motion.

On the defense side, the defendant’s attorney, Christos Pourgouridis, stated that there had been an intention to file an objection; however, after reviewing the motion and the relevant case law, it was agreed that its consideration should proceed in camera.

The court ruled that the discussion of this specific motion might involve references to case details that require protection; therefore, the proceedings continued without the presence of the public ormedia representatives.

The Criminal Court’s decision on whether the hearing will be held in public or in camera is expected to be announced today, July 16, at 9:00 a.m.

At the same time, the Court scheduled the case for five consecutive hearing days, from July 27 through July 31, beginning at 9:00 a.m. each day.