Fresh delays have emerged in the high-profile case involving suspended Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos after judge Nikodemos Fakontis requested to recuse himself on Thursday from the three-member permanent criminal court panel hearing the case.

The development led to a further adjournment of proceedings until June 24.

Addressing the court in Paphos on Thursday, Fakontis said there were factors that could potentially create a conflict of interest or raise questions regarding the impartiality of the proceedings.

The judge cited three reasons for his request.

The first related to a civil action filed by his late father against the accused in connection with the Paphos sewerage board (Sapa) case – when Phedonos was a member of the Sapa board. Following Fakontis’ father’s death, the matter was taken over by his wife in her capacity as lawyer and administrator of the estate.

The second concerned a previous dispute involving members of the ‘Eusevia’ social club, in which both Phedonos and members of the judge’s family participate.

Thirdly, Fakontis said his sister maintains close ties with the accused’s family, something which, he argued, could create the wrong impression regarding the court’s impartiality.

Following the recusal request, the court scheduled the next hearing for June 24 at 9am, by which time a replacement judge is expected to be appointed to complete the criminal court panel.

The latest postponement adds to a series of delays that have marked the case since the beginning of proceedings, prompting criticism from the defence and concern among legal circles over the pace of the trial.

Defence lawyer Christos Pourgourides welcomed the judge’s decision to step aside, saying “well done to Mr Fakontis for carrying out his duty”, but was quick to stress that the case should proceed without further delay.

The defence team, which also included Epameinondas Korakides, Maria Socratous and Elli Korakidou, expressed strong reservations over the procedural handling of the case and the repeated postponements before the substantive hearing has even begun.

According to statements made before the court, the case had initially been filed before the Limassol district court in February. However, under new procedural regulations introduced in 2024, the case should first have been filed in Paphos, where the alleged offences are said to have taken place, before any request for transfer to another court could be considered.

As a result, criminal proceedings in Limassol were suspended to ensure compliance with proper legal procedure, and the case was subsequently refiled before the Paphos district court.

Phedonos appeared before the Paphos district court on April 21, when he was referred to trial before the permanent criminal court that convened on Thursday.

During the hearing, Pourgourides also raised concerns over possible additional delays from September onwards, noting that the president of the three-member criminal court, Lia Markou, is reportedly first on the promotion list and could be transferred during the next judicial period.

Against this backdrop, legal circles have reportedly suggested the establishment of a special three-member criminal court dedicated exclusively to the case, with regular hearings aimed at avoiding further delays in proceedings that have already faced significant setbacks before the trial has substantively commenced.

The suspended mayor faces four serious charges, including rape, indecent assault, administering substances with intent to commit a felony or misdemeanour, and assault causing actual bodily harm. Phedonos has repeatedly denied all the allegations.

The case was investigated by a special police team from police headquarters following a complaint submitted by a businessman and the alleged victim.

Reports indicate that the trial is expected to be held behind closed doors.

Phedonos appeared in court on Thursday accompanied by his lawyers, his wife and members of his family.