With an emphasis on the role of the Central Prisons Department’s staff, the official ceremony for the handover and takeoverof the Department’s Directorate, following the appointment of Giorgos Ioannou to the position of Director.
It should be noted that Mr. Ioannou is the first Director to assume his duties following the resignation of Anna Aristotelous from that position in December 2022. Since then, the duties of Director have been performed successively by four Deputy Directors: Ioannis Kapnoullas, Haris Filippidis, Konstantinos Konstantinidis, and Maria Siali. On Monday, Ms. Siali handed over the Directorate to Mr. Ioannou, returning to her duties as a Senior Officer in the Prisons Department.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Mr. Ioannou is a retired brigadier general of the National Guard, who retired in 2026 after serving as Commander of the Commando Forces (LOK).
Both Mr. Ioannou and Ms. Siali, as well as the Minister of Justice and Public Order himself, Kostas Fytiris, referred in their remarks during the ceremony to the complex and demanding nature of the duties of the Director of the Central Prisons, highlighting the difficulties caused by prison overcrowding and staff shortages, as well as the responsibility for safeguarding human rights within the framework of a modern correctional system.
Mr. Fytiris also spoke about the significance of the ceremony that took place, explaining that it is more than just the handover of the directorship of the Central Prison. “For the first time, the change in leadership is taking place through an official institutional ceremony, and this is a deliberate choice,” he said, adding that the ceremony “pertains first and foremost to the institution itself, which is a crucial link in the chain of justice, public order, and societal security.”
He emphasized that the mission of the Correctional Institution is to enforce the law and maintain order, but at the same time also involves respecting human dignity, rehabilitation, and creating the conditions for a smooth reintegration into society. “It is precisely this multifaceted mission that makes the work of correctional institution staff particularly difficult and demanding,” said the Minister.
He emphasized that this work requires staff to be vigilant, level-headed, disciplined, professional, and to have a strong sense of responsibility, describing it as a social mission rather than a mere duty.
“There is no room for corruption, abuse of power, or behavior that undermines the credibility of the service and, by extension, the rule of law,” Mr. Fytiris continued, subsequently emphasizing that “the deprivation of liberty is the punishment, but the loss of human dignity is not and cannot be part of it.”
He also noted that “the success of the Institution is not measured solely by security within its walls, but also by ensuring that people do not return there,” adding that “society as a whole must give these people a second chance.”
The Minister then expressed his gratitude to the Deputy Director of the Central Prison and the majority of the staff, inspectors, and correctional officers “for the tremendous effort they have made and continue to make despite the adversities of overcrowding, staff shortages, and outdated facilities,” as he put it.
He added that the government and the ministry are aware of the problems and that, for this reason, “upgrading the correctional system is a top priority, with new, modern, and secure infrastructure, better organization, staff reinforcement and training, and continuous professional development, the use of technology, more effective security, and meaningful correctional and reintegration programs.”
Concluding his remarks, the Minister stated that “the new Directorate is called upon to be close to the staff, to be fair and demanding, to take responsibility, to recognize effort, and to address problems in the shortest possible time with maximum efficiency,” adding that “the state has high expectations of the staff, but it also has a corresponding obligation to support them, provide them with the means to carry out their mission, and recognize their contributions.”
Furthermore, in response to journalists’ questions regarding plans to upgrade the correctional system, Mr. Fytiris noted that efforts are underway regarding staffing, infrastructure, as well as treatment and reintegration programs for inmates. Regarding the proposed site for the new Central Prison facilities in Agios Sozomenos, the Minister said that the plan is currently being finalized, following which discussions on the matter will take place with local authorities.
He also noted that he has already discussed staffing issues with the new Director, stating that “we will do everything possible to ensure that the staff has the necessary morale and motivation so that their performance in their duties is as good as possible.”
For his part, Mr. Ioannou noted that, for him, assuming the role of Director of the Central Prisons is an important mission, with high demands, major challenges, and a profound human dimension, while expressing his commitment to hard work, dedication, and effectiveness. In thanking the outgoing administration, Mr. Ioannou noted that “continuity, respect for the contributions of our predecessors, and building on their experience are essential prerequisites for progress.”
Echoing the Minister’s sentiments, the new Director of the Central Prison emphasized that in this setting, “the State is called upon to administer justice with humanity, ensure security with professionalism, and create the conditions so that the person here can have a real second chance when they return to society,” conveying his vision for a modern, safe, and humane correctional system that operates “with transparency, meritocracy, justice, and efficiency.”
Addressing the Department’s staff, Mr. Ioannou said he recognizes the challenges and noted that the staff is the organization’s most important asset. “For my part, I am committed to being present, listening, discussing, evaluating, and making decisions,” he said, adding that he would seek to communicate with staff at every level. He also stated that “equality before the law, meritocracy, and equal treatment will be non-negotiable principles” and that “no one will be above the law, and no one will be treated by a different set of standards.”
“I come with the intention of objectively evaluating the existing situation, maintaining what works well, and improving what needs to be changed through harmonious cooperation, mutual respect, regular communication, and coordination with political leadership and the relevant agencies, thereby contributing to the implementation of the Ministry’s priorities for a modern correctional system,” Mr. Ioannou continued.
Finally, addressing the inmates as well, he said that the State has an obligation to ensure the security and smooth operation of the institution, but at the same time to respect the human dignity of every individual. “The rules will be enforced strictly and fairly, without discrimination, with respect for the law and the rights of all,” he said.
“With faith in the potential of the prison staff, with respect for the institution’s mission, and with determination for the future, we are embarking on this new journey together. I call on all of you to join forces and work toward a common goal: prisons that are safe, humane, modern, and effective,” he concluded.
The outgoing Deputy Director, Maria Siali, in handing over her duties to Mr. Ioannou, spoke of institutional continuity, transition, and a new perspective with the new Director taking office.
Ms. Siali described her tenure at the Department of Prisons since December 2025 as “particularly demanding,” explaining that the Directorate was called upon to operate under conditions of overcrowding and increased operational demands. She noted that a “systematic and collective effort” was made to maintain operational stability, enhance security, and modernize the Department.
According to her, during her tenure, major infrastructure projects and technological security systems were implemented, operational procedures were strengthened, staff training was upgraded, collaborations with other agencies were developed, and emphasis was placed on treatment and social reintegration programs. She also noted that the work that has been carried out and the initiatives currently underway are being documented and formally handed over to the new administration.
The outgoing Director maintained that security, legality, discipline, and respect for human dignity are “inseparable prerequisites” of a modern correctional system. She emphasized that the Department’s mission is not limited to the restriction of liberty, but includes the protection of inmates’ lives and health and the provision of opportunities for education and reintegration.
He made special mention of the staff, noting that much of their contribution remains “unseen.” He spoke of crises that were averted, of night shifts and emergency calls, and said that the Department’s true strength lies in its people. As he put it, he stood alongside the staff during investigations, emergency deployments, and the handling of difficult incidents, because leadership “is exercised through presence and participation.”
In welcoming Mr. Ioannou, he wished him “strength, sound judgment, and every success,” while noting that he is taking over ongoing projects and initiatives, as well as people with knowledge, experience, and dedication to their mission. He added that institutions do not belong to the individuals who serve them.
The detection of crimes is not necessarily an indicator of a rise in crime, says the Minister
Responding to questions from reporters after the ceremony, the Minister of Justice and Public Order noted that “the fact that more cases are solved or uncovered is not an indication of rising crime, because these cases may have gone unnoticed and were uncovered through active police investigations.” He emphasized that “we must distinguish when crime is actually increasing and correlate that with the cases brought to light by active policing.”
Furthermore, in light of the recent solving of the murder of a 61-year-old woman in Limassol, Mr. Fytiris commented that the police “operated exactly as they should, evaluating all the information and possible scenarios and solving in just a few days a case that could have taken years.”
Source: CNA
