PHAEDONOS CASE TO BE HELD BEHIND CLOSED DOORS - Pafos Press 16/7
The decision on how to conduct the Phaedon Phaedonos trial has now been made, as the Paphos Criminal Court announced today, Thursday, that the hearing will be held behind closed doors.
Mr. Phaedonos has pleaded not guilty to all the charges he faces, which were brought against him during the last proceedings before the new composition of the Court.
The charges concern, among others, rape, indecent assault against a woman, indecent assault by another act, assault causing actual bodily harm, as well as the administration of a drug or other substance capable of anesthetizing or neutralizing the resistance of a person.
The representative of the Prosecuting Authority, Irini Savva, had submitted a request for the trial to be held behind closed doors, citing the need to protect the complainant and the relevant legislative provisions for victims of offenses of this nature.
From the defense side, the defendant's attorney, Christos Pourgouridis, had stated that initially there was an intention to file an objection, however, after studying the request and the relevant case law, it was agreed that its examination should be held behind closed doors.
The Court had decided that the examination of the request should be carried out without the presence of the public and representatives of the media, as it may include references to elements of the case that require protection.
At the same time, the case has been scheduled for hearing in five consecutive sessions, from July 27 to 31, starting at 9:00 a.m. daily.
