Police have launched an investigation into claims made online over the last few days about the alleged battering of Louisa Andreou, wife of Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos, however both have dismissed the allegations and cited political motives behind the “malice and gossip”.

Police spokesman Christodoulos Konsolos told the Cyprus News Agency that the police began investigations on Sunday regarding online information concerning domestic violence.

The information first appeared in posts by Ioanna Photiou – who goes by the handle of ‘Annie Alexui’ – including medical reports, which will be examined by the authorities, he said.

Konsolos explained that the police were obliged to investigate whether or not there had been a complaint.

If offences are identified, the attorney-general’s office would give further instructions. If not, then the AG’s office would give its opinion on further moves, he added.

On Saturday, Andreou posted a statement on social media, saying this was a coordinated attack against her family with the aim of harming her husband’s political career.

Andreou said she wished to protect her family from “malice and gossip”, assured she was not a victim of violence and pointed out that she had been in a harmonious marriage for 20 years.

She described Phedonos as a “wonderful man” and called for political games to be kept away from her family.

In a newer post on social media, which she said would be her last public intervention, Andreou clarified she had never filed a report against her husband and that any allegations that she had were “completely false and unfounded”.

Andreou questioned the motives of those spreading such claims, which harmed personalities and their families.

She also wondered if such behaviour contributed to information and the awakening of society, or whether they led to deception, serving ulterior and selfish purposes.

Phedonos likewise dismissed the allegations as lies and a concerted smear campaign against him.

Behind this campaign lies an “internal alliance of political and economic interests along with organised crime”, he asserted.

“Already a merciless war against me is underway, taking my family hostage, and with stories that are being recycled for the past ten years, to no avail.”

He added pointedly: “I’ve been waiting for you.”

The mayor said he welcomed the police investigation, which would allow him to clear his name.

“And of course, after that it will be my turn to speak.”

Meanwhile the affair took a twist when an ex-police chief told media that a complaint about physical abuse had been filed against Phedonos in the past.

According to former police chief Kypros Michaelides, a formal complaint had been made claiming that Phedonos had beaten his wife.

The police investigated at the time, but the case went nowhere due to lack of evidence.

People summoned for depositions did not cooperate. Police were forced to close the file.

The allegations he referred to concerned the 2018-2019 timeframe.

Commenting on the purported medical report shown on social media by ‘Annie Alexui’, the former chief of police said such reports cannot be considered as irrefutable evidence – but it is evidence nonetheless.

The persons whose names appear in the purported document – such as the technicians who took the X-rays – would be interviewed by police, he opined.

As for ‘Annie Alexui’, she is currently living in Russia, where she claims she has obtained asylum.

Her TikTok videos generate millions of views.

She is wanted by Cyprus police in connection with personal data violations, publishing fake news, and online harassment.

The woman has openly admitted to having been friends with Alexis Mavromichalis aka ‘Alexoui’ – a suspected gangland figure who was gunned down in late October 2023.