The mayor of Lefkoniko, Pieris Gypsiotis, is now on leave. This happened because of criminal investigations into domestic violence claims. The suspension was announced on Tuesday. It is a serious situation for the town.
Reports about the mayor's alleged behavior towards his family have surfaced. These are serious accusations. If proven guilty, he could go to prison for over three years. Cypriot law says this means he must be suspended from his job.
The investigation is about abuse in his home. It is understood that a family member made a complaint. This has increased attention on his personal life and his job.
This is not the first time Gypsiotis has faced legal questions. There are other criminal cases about domestic violence. These allegedly happened between 2019 and 2023. These events happened before he was elected mayor. An earlier investigation finished in early 2024. A trial was planned for March.
Mayor Gypsiotis denies all the accusations. He says his suspension is a political plan by his enemies. He said, "Soon everything will come to the surface." This means he believes the truth will show he is innocent. He wants to stay involved in public life.
The town of Lefkoniko will continue to run normally. Municipal officials have said this. A different official will take over the mayor's duties. The mayor faces a long legal process. The results of these investigations will be watched closely.