Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos and Lefkoniko mayor-in-exile Pieris Gypsiotis were on Wednesday been placed on leave pending the outcome of criminal investigations, the interior ministry confirmed.
The suspension, as defined under Article 113 of the municipalities law, applies automatically when elected officials face charges carrying a potential prison sentence of more than three years.
The leave takes effect upon publication in the official gazette, which is expected in an extraordinary edition tomorrow following Constantinos Ioannou’s return from Brussels tonight.
The decision follows police updates to the ministry detailing ongoing investigations into alleged domestic violence offences by both mayors.
In the case of Phedonos, police are examining a complaint linked to a statement made by businessman Theodoros Aristodemou, who has accused the mayor of raping a family member of his around ten years ago.
Aristodemou has also provided a detailed statement to authorities.
The alleged victim gave a five hour statement to police on Tuesday, which is now under review alongside a separate investigation into claims of domestic abuse involving the mayor’s wife.
Police emphasised the two cases are distinct.
Phedonos has denied all allegations, describing the investigations as politically motivated.
His wife has also denied any wrongdoing.
Authorities have confirmed that all evidence and statements are being assessed before any further action.
Under the law, elected officials on leave receive one third of their salary.
The leave remains in place until the conclusion of investigations or trial, at which point the official may return to office if cleared, or face automatic dismissal if convicted.
The interior ministry has not issued further comment, stating the matters are being handled by law enforcement.