Cyprus's Justice Minister, Kostas Fitiris, has acknowledged that the Central Prison is facing severe overcrowding and is fundamentally unfit for modernisation, as the government moves to accelerate a long-delayed overhaul of the country's penal system.
Speaking on state television, Fitiris said that between 10 and 12 arrests are being made daily, filling both police holding cells and prison facilities beyond capacity. "Whatever we do, these prisons cannot become modern," he said, adding that efforts in the interim are focused on improving conditions, strengthening staffing, and upgrading security systems.
A new facility for Mathiatis
The minister confirmed that planning and funding discussions are under way for a new prison at Mathiatis, with the master plan set to be presented to the local community this autumn. "The primary goal — the first and most fundamental objective — is to have bulldozers on site and construction under way before the end of 2027," Fitiris said. He noted, however, that the new facility is not expected to be operational before 2030.
Electronic monitoring and decongestion measures
To relieve pressure on the prison system in the interim, Fitiris said the government is examining a broadening of the eligibility criteria for electronic monitoring tags. "The criteria are currently very restrictive. We need to review them so that more people can be released, even at some risk," he said.
Staffing and leadership gaps
A recruitment process for 90 prison officers is currently under way, though the minister acknowledged that the required number of candidates has not yet been met. He also expressed hope that the Public Service Commission would appoint a new prison director by early September at the latest. On pay, Fitiris said officers working in high-security wings should receive higher remuneration than those in administrative or auxiliary roles.
