The decision to build juvenile detention centers in “modern prefabricated structures” on a site adjacent to the existing Central Prison by October 2027 was announced to the Parliamentary Committee on Finance by the Minister of Justice and Public Order, Kostas Fytiris, on Monday while presenting the Ministry’s budget.
In response to a question from the Chair of the Legal Affairs Committee and DISY MP, Fotini Tsiridou, and AKEL MP Andreas Pasiourtides, regarding the construction of juvenile detention facilities—which, as they noted, has been pending since 2021— the Minister stated that the initial decision to create a juvenile facility in Menogeia had been revised, as the number of juvenile detainees ranges from 10 to 30, while police holding cells are operating at 180% capacity.
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Highlighting the critical nature of the situation, he noted that in some cases, a detainee arrested in Ayia Napa must be held in a Paphos holding cell and then returned for a hearing at the Famagusta Court, a situation that also places an additional burden on the police.
As he noted, a decision was made to convert Menoyia into a central police detention facility in order to relieve the burden on police stations. He estimated that Menogia is expected to be operational as a detention facility before the end of the year, as repairs are already underway.
Regarding the detention facility for minors, she noted that, as a temporary solution, “modern prefabricated units” will be installed on a vacant lot next to the central prison, so that they can be relocated later. He estimated that they will be ready by October 2027.
Responding to questions from reporters after the Committee meeting on the issue concluded, the Minister said that a new extension would need to be requested, as the deadline for completing the juvenile detention facility was the end of 2026.
Furthermore, the Minister did not respond to a question from AKEL MP Argentoula Ioannou regarding whether other methods of juvenile rehabilitation, aside from detention, had been considered. When asked by ELAM MPs whether there has been a decrease in arrests due to overcrowding in detention centers, both the Minister and the Chief of Police answered in the negative.
Budget Presentation
According to the Minister’s presentation, the Ministry’s budget for 2027 amounts to €575 million, an increase of 4% compared to last year. Recurrent expenditures total €94 million, development expenditures €26 million, and payroll €454 million, accounting for 79% of the budget.
“The Ministry’s mission is to provide security and uphold justice for the benefit of citizens,” the Minister stated, emphasizing the Ministry’s social contribution, which, he said, is not reflected in financial terms.
Providing data on crime prevention, the Minister presented improved figures for 2026. Specifically, he noted that by mid-year, two homicides had been recorded, down from 13 in 2025, and 11 attempted homicides, down from 26 in 2025. Regarding other crimes, he noted that the statistics are slightly lower than last year’s figures.
She also referred to the successes of the Drug Enforcement Agency (YKAN), noting that as of September 30, 898 cases had been recorded, involving 949 individuals, with the seizure of, among other things, 358 kilograms of cannabis and 417 kilograms of ketamine. The Chair of the Finance Committee, a DIKO MP, congratulated YKAN on its successes.
Mr. Fytiris noted that the Vasilikos energy center is considered the most critical infrastructure for the state, and the police assessed that it requires a comprehensive security system covering land, sea, and air, at a total cost of €4.2 million.
He also addressed the issue of migration, noting that as of October 22, 2026, there had been 2,118 arrests for illegal stay, 1,991 deportations, and 5,072 voluntary returns, while 1,418 illegal entries and 990 denials of entry at airports were recorded.
Responding to a question from Ms. Erotokritou regarding vacancies in the Police Force, Mr. Fytiris noted that there are 642 vacancies, which are expected to be filled within 4–6 months.
Speaking about the Fire Department, the Minister referred to strengthening operational capabilities and prevention efforts.
Furthermore, in response to a question from DISY MP Charalambos Petridis regarding the creation of a coast guard, the Minister said that it is essential for coordinating maritime activities, from the coastline to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and will be responsible for issues related to migration, terrorist acts, and even pollution.
He noted that the bill is currently with the Legal Service and that the legal review is expected to be completed in early November. She also noted that it is expected to be funded largely by European funds.
Regarding gender-based violence, the Minister said that by the end of January, the “red flag” platform will be ready by the end of January, where all government agencies will be able to provide information to identify potential victims or perpetrators in a timely manner.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting concluded, the Minister said that “crime will never cease to exist. The goal is to combat it to such an extent that it does not affect citizens’ daily lives. To limit its capabilities so that the average citizen is unaware of it.” He added that “we are not sugarcoating the situation,” noting that the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime has been established and is already achieving success.
Central Prison
According to the Minister, the main objective is the construction of the new correctional facility in Agios Sozomenos, with a capacity of 1,500 inmates. He reiterated that studies by the various agencies are expected to be completed before a final decision is made, and after the master plan is presented to the municipalities in the area and a “middle ground” is reached.
The 2027 budget includes €1 million for the studies and preliminary work.
Responding to a question from DISY MP Fotini Tsiridou, who pointed out that development expenditures in the Ministry’s budget have been reduced by 5% compared to last year, the Minister explained that the reduction is due to the decision to suspend construction of the new prison wing, following the decision to build a new facility.
Responding to another question from Ms. Tsiridou, as well as from the Member of Parliament for Immediate Democracy, Yiannis Laouris, regarding the timeline for the construction of the new prison, the Minister estimated that it would take 4–5 years, with construction expected to begin by the end of 2027.
Mr. Fytiris outlined a series of prison reforms, noting the difficulty in filling prison guard positions, since only 35 of the 90 advertised positions were filled. As he said, the field will also be opened up to European citizens.
Members of Parliament asked the Minister to provide an update on the status of the various prison systems designed to detect and disable cell phones and to combat drones. As he noted, the question is how cell phones get into prisons, highlighting the need to strengthen security systems at all entrances.
Regarding the blocking of cell phone signals, he said this is being implemented gradually through the installation of antennas in each wing, estimating that installation in all wings will be completed by the first quarter of 2027. Regarding the anti-drone system, he said that it has been completed and that drones attempting to smuggle illegal items into the prisons have been detected.
Furthermore, in response to a question from ELAM MP Linos Hatzigeorgiou, regarding the percentage of foreign nationals in prisons, Mr. Fytiris said that it hovers around 60%.
In response to a question from Direct Democracy MP Yiannis Laouris regarding the cost of prisons per inmate, the Minister said that the annual prison budget amounts to €47 million and that he would return to the issue of the cost per person.
The bill on surveillance is back on the agenda
Committee Chair Christiana Erotokritou, in her remarks, noted that “My country is the only one that lacks legislation on surveillance,” asking whether the government would resubmit a bill.
Mr. Fytiris replied that it is a priority for the Ministry to reintroduce a bill on surveillance, as “without it, we will always be one step behind organized crime.”
Problems with the Administration of Justice
Furthermore, Members of Parliament Fotini Tsiridou, Andreas Pasiourtidis, Argentoula Ioannou, Marios Pelekanos, Christiana Erotokritou, Michalis Paraskevas, and Diana Konstantinidou highlighted the “tragic state” of the justice system in Cyprus, pointing out the significant delays, particularly in the first instance, as well as the delay in enforcing court decisions.
The Minister declined to comment, noting that many of the problems pertain to the judiciary, and stating that the Ministry is ready to support efforts to reduce the time it takes to process court cases “with whatever the judiciary asks of us.”
Invoice to Maccabi
When asked by Ms. Tsiridou, as well as by AKEL MP Giorgos Koukoumas, regarding the decision to hold the Maccabi games in Limassol, the Minister said that no decision has yet been made regarding the hosting of any match.
He also noted that the cost of policing will be borne by the party requesting the police presence; in other words, an invoice will be sent to the team.
Discussions on attacks on delivery drivers
Responding to a question from Ms. Ioannou regarding police actions in response to attacks on delivery drivers, the Minister said that a meeting was held with the platform companies, to whom he suggested providing delivery drivers with a watch equipped with GPS and a red button, so that incidents can be immediately located. In addition, it was recommended that orders not be fulfilled in parks or dangerously dark areas.
For his part, Police Chief Themistos Arnaoutis said that most of the cases had been solved and were found to be robberies. He noted that several Cypriots and foreigners were involved in the attacks and that arrests have been made.
Statements by Members of Parliament
For her part, the Chair of the Legal Affairs Committee and DISY Member of Parliament, Fotini Tsiridou, stated that for DISY, the swift administration of justice, the effective fight against crime, and the strengthening of the rule of law are constant priorities.
She pointed out that the modernization, development, and better utilization of the police force’s capabilities remain pending, referring to the issue of understaffing.
“We want a greater police presence on the streets. Juvenile delinquency is at elevated and worsening levels. The drug problem, particularly among minors, has reached tragic proportions; therefore, a thorough reorganization is needed,” he said.
AKEL MP Andreas Pasiourtides stated that it remains a fact that people do not feel safe, while a sense of impunity is widespread. Highlighting the problems that continue to plague the administration of justice, he said that “fewer and fewer citizens are turning to the courts” due to significant delays.
Mr. Pasiourtidis noted that “this year’s budget is once again merely a stopgap,” with resources for public investment being limited, while, as he noted, many issues have remained at a standstill for years. “There are shortcomings in the proper prioritization of issues, in the resources allocated, and in political will,” he said.
In his own remarks, ELAM MP Marios Pelekanos, said that the party is awaiting a written response from the Minister regarding those who remain in the country without ever having submitted an application for protection status.
He also said that they requested an update on the Ministry’s actions regarding drugs in schools. Regarding surveillance, Mr. Pelekanos said, “We are pleased that the Minister addressed the issue and stated that he will resubmit the bill to Parliament in the near future,” noting that it is imperative for the state to always be one step ahead of organized crime.
During the Committee meeting, the leader of the Alma Movement, Odysseas Michaelides, asked the Minister, “When will you abandon the proposal” to change the model of the Audit Office, since the proposal, as he said, had been ruled unconstitutional.
In turn, the Movement’s Member of Parliament, Irini Charalambidou, asked about the status of the government’s bill on the investigative powers of the Anti-Corruption Authority, while she also sought the Ministry’s position on the establishment of an independent authority to oversee the implementation of ECHR rulings. Mr. Fytiris reserved the right to respond to these questions in writing.
For his part, the Direct Democracy MP, Yiannis Laouris, stated that Direct Democracy’s positions on the justice system focus on its modernization, with less bureaucracy, more policing, accountability, effective oversight of the police, transparency, and citizen participation in the security of their communities.
Mr. Laouris asked whether the police had proceeded with the confiscation of illicit assets, to which the Minister replied in the affirmative. He also asked how many complaints of police corruption had been filed over the past three years, as well as how many fines from the automated traffic enforcement system remain unpaid.
Source: CNA
