orchestrated attack — Phedon Phedonos has accused unnamed interests of mounting an orchestrated attack against him, insisting he has committed none of the offences attributed to him. The suspended Mayor of Paphos claims the aim is to distract the country from the controversial “videogate” footage linked to the Presidential Palace.
In a public statement, Phedonos revealed that over two weeks have passed since what he described as a coordinated assault on his character, stating that his family’s peace of mind has suffered significantly as a result. “I assure you, first of all, that I have not committed any of the offences being deliberately announced to harm me,” he asserted, adding that police have not questioned him about anything related to these claims.
Phedonos argued that powerful interests have grown emboldened and united in their efforts to destroy him, suggesting that those orchestrating the attacks are connected to his complaints about drugs, money laundering, and other alleged illegal activities. “This case serves to divert attention from what I call the ‘embarrassment’ of Videogate and the funding related to the President’s 2023 and 2028 election campaigns,” he said.
He elaborated on the Videogate affair, asserting that a mechanism has been set up whereby businesspeople, under the guise of philanthropy, provide financial support while expecting favours in return. “I am here. I have always been here,” he declared, calling for thorough investigations and the pursuit of charges based on real evidence, emphasising the need for justice.
Phedonos expressed concern that the ongoing situation aims to keep him in prolonged political limbo through investigations and potential lengthy court proceedings. He stated that if a public trial is the intention, he is prepared to respond in detail to any accusations against him. “I am not seeking favourable treatment but asking honest state officials to act objectively and without ulterior motives,” he explained.
Describing the actions against him as organised and methodical wrongdoing, Phedonos warned of the implications for Cyprus, stating, “Our country is turning into a fully corrupt state that promotes corruption and protects powerful interests.” He urged citizens to resist allowing the nation to adopt what he termed “Erdogan-style” methods for eliminating opponents.
“If they succeed, they will not stop with me. They will continue with others. But if we manage to rid our country of these networks, that will be a victory for the people,” he added, encapsulating his call to action.
