Suspended Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos on Thursday alleged he has been the target of a “coordinated and relentless war” aimed at his “political and moral extermination”, according to a written statement he issued.

Phedonos said the situation began on January 21, 2026, claiming that “opportunists found fertile ground in a dismantled state” and seized the moment to target him.

He further alleged that those behind the attacks are individuals who in the past had been “exposed and left exposed” through his own political actions and complaints regarding “scandals, money laundering and mismanagement”.

“Now they think it is the time to throw mud at the fan and see what sticks,” he said.

The suspended mayor stressed that he intends to respond “to every claim and every publication”, though he noted that priority would be given to the ongoing criminal proceedings.

He also stated that “the time will come when everything will be said as it should,” adding that “entanglement is not invincible.”

Concluding his statement, Phedonos called on the public to follow the court process closely, expressing the hope that “all the details of the trial will be published.”

The Phedonos case has been referred to the Paphos criminal court, with proceedings scheduled to begin on May 28. He faces four serious charges: rape, indecent assault, administering substances to incapacitate a person with intent to commit a felony or misdemeanour, and assault causing actual bodily harm.