Konstantinos Fytiris provided explanations regarding the model of the new Central Prison that he presented to the Parliamentary Committee on Finance during the debate on the Ministry of Justice’s 2027 budget, Konstantinos Fytiris provided these explanations while speaking on the Alpha News program.
As he clarified, this is an illustrative depiction of the facilities that a modern correctional institution might include, and not the final design of the new Central Prison, attributing comments and criticism to pre-election political maneuvering. He noted that the process of selecting a suitable plot of state-owned land, covering an area of approximately 500,000 square meters, is currently underway, as part of a larger state-owned parcel of three million square meters in the Agios Sozomenos area, in the Nicosia district.
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He emphasized that all relevant government agencies are involved in this process, including the Department of the Environment, the Electrical and Mechanical Services, and Public Works, in order to identify the most suitable location without affecting other activities or archaeological sites. The Minister clarified that neither the exact section of the plot nor the final location of the project has yet been finalized, and reiterated that the final decision will be made once the preliminary study is completed and consultations with the affected municipalities have taken place.
Commenting on the model presented to Parliament, Mr. Fytiris argued that the purpose was to demonstrate what a modern prison might include, with facilities such as a medical clinic, sports fields, and other spaces designed to meet the needs of inmates. The illustrative rendering, as he noted, was based on specifications that take into account the standards of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture. Regarding the reactions to the lack of consultation with local authorities, the Minister stated that his intention is to present the initial master plan to the municipalities as soon as it is finalized, in order to hear their views and consider any suggestions or changes.
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Initial estimate: €300 million
The project’s cost is initially estimated at €300 million, while the plan involves a process expected to span five years. Mr. Fytiris emphasized that this is a long-term infrastructure project that should not be viewed through the lens of pre-election politics. As he noted, the goal is to create facilities that will meet the needs of the correctional system for years to come.
A Change of Course for Juvenile Detention Centers
The Ministry of Justice has decided on a change of course regarding the creation of a Juvenile Detention Center. While the juvenile detention center was originally planned to be located in Menogia, with a capacity of 160 beds, the plan is now to build it near the Central Prison, using modern prefabricated facilities.
According to the Minister, the decision is linked to the overcrowding observed in prisons, as well as to the pressure faced by police holding cells in all districts. According to Mr. Fytiris, the number of juvenile detainees typically ranges between 10 and 35. The new facilities will be designed in accordance with the required technical specifications and with respect for human rights.
The Minister has set a timeline for the completion of the facilities by October 2027. As he noted, this option allows for faster implementation compared to the construction of a new building complex, which would take approximately three years and entail higher costs.
The old Central Prison is also being renovated
Until the new correctional facility is completed, the Ministry is carrying out renovations at the existing Central Prisons, with the aim of improving detention conditions, enhancing security, and safeguarding human rights.Mr. Fytiris referred to the work being done to set up new medical clinics, as well as the installation of technological devices and scanners to detect contraband items, such as cell phones.
At the same time, work is underway to install a system to block cell phone signals inside the prisons, with completion scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. As he noted, the system includes multiple antennas, designed to limit the signal within the facility and address the interference issues that had arisen in the past.
Regarding the administration of the Central Prison, the new Director will assume his duties on November 2, with the handover ceremony scheduled for next Monday. The Minister stated that he has no information regarding any appeal related to the appointment.
Police Detention Facilities to Be Moved to Menogeia
When asked about the delays in moving forward with the central detention center in Menogeia, Mr. Fytiris attributed the problem to the time-consuming procedures required for the implementation of government projects. As he explained, the creation of a central detention facility in Menogeia is being considered, in order to relieve overcrowding in existing police detention centers and limit the transfer of detainees between districts due to a lack of available space
As he noted, despite the intention to move the project forward more quickly, the procedures that ensure transparency and oversight are prolonging the implementation timeline. He emphasized, however, that the project must proceed in accordance with the law and established procedures.
Regarding prisoner escapes from police holding cells, transport vehicles, and medical facilities, he noted that in previous cases, individuals had been suspended from duty. He was not, however, in a position to provide the final findings of the investigations, noting that some proceedings may still be ongoing.
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