The case against suspended Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos – accused of rape – has been re-filed with Paphos district court, it transpired on Tuesday.

Phedonos’ attorney Christos Pourgourides confirmed reports about the change in venue.

The indictment was initially filed with Limassol district court, with April 2 set as the start date for the hearings.

But at the last moment, the attorney-general’s office requested a change in venue.

The indictments were withdrawn at Limassol district court, and re-filed with Paphos district court.

The first hearing in Paphos is now scheduled for April 21.

Contacted by the Cyprus Mail, Pourgourides confirmed the indictment sheet consists of four charges: rape, indecent assault, drugging/sedating a person with intent to commit a crime, and assault causing actual bodily harm.

Once the initial hearing takes place at Paphos district court, the case will be referred to the criminal court.

The case concerns allegations that Phedonos raped a woman in 2014.

It resurfaced earlier this year following allegations about the affair by Paphos-based businessman Theodoros Aristodemou, a land developer with prior legal disputes with the Paphos municipality.

A special investigative team was set up to look into the allegations, reportedly taking statements from around 20 people.

Phedonos has rejected the accusations and described the case as politically motivated.