As the Ministry of Justice prepares to change its plans regarding the location of the new Central Prison, unless the protests in Mathiatis subside, the situation on the ground regarding overcrowding in prisons and police holding cells is described as tragic. Isotita is sounding the alarm once again.
“110 out of 160 detention cells across Cyprus hold convicted prisoners and those awaiting trial. Occupancy has reached 130%. Instead of 160, there are now 200 or more. There’s also a problem with transfers.”
Nikos Loizidis – President of the Isotita
Police Branch A
telling example is the case of the holding cells at the Lakatamia Police Station, which has a capacity of 40 detainees but is currently housing 77.
Report from the Lakatamia Police Station
The situation has been repeatedly brought to the attention of and emphasized at all levels: given the current staffing levels and the situation that has arisen, security risks for staff, detainees, and the holding cells. It is imperative that there be increased readiness and vigilance to prevent riots, the smuggling of dangerous and illegal items, and other malicious acts, as well as readiness to evacuate in emergency situations.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
“This situation cannot continue. Solutions must be found immediately. We have already made a recommendation regarding the Menogeia detention center, which has been closed since January and has a capacity of 150 beds. Once Menogeia becomes the Central Prison, transferring the inmates there will solve the problem.”
Nikos Loizidis – President of the Police Officers’ Equality
Branch The Cyprus Police has
acknowledged the problem.
Cyprus Police
The Police acknowledge that there is increased pressure due to the number of detainees and that, in specific cases, overcrowding issues arise. The Police do not downplay the problem. In cooperation with the relevant authorities, measures are being taken within our capabilities to better manage the situation.
A Breath of Freedom
The central prisons were given a brief respite today with the release, via presidential pardon on the occasion of the Feast of the Assumption, of a total of 68 inmates— 27 Cypriots and 41 foreigners. The prison wings remain suffocatingly overcrowded, presenting scenes reminiscent of the Third World.
“The situation has gone beyond all limits of human dignity: 20 to 30 inmates are crammed into a single cell, to the point where they are forced to sleep on potato crates.”
Equality
The list of individuals to be released was prepared in consultation with the Attorney General and signed by the President of the Republic. Exceptions were made for those convicted of drug trafficking and sex crimes, as well as those who have not served half of their sentences.
The prison gates opened this morning, and for some foreign nationals, arrest procedures have already been initiated by order of the Deputy Ministry of Migration, with the aim of transferring them to the detention centerdetention center in Limnes for the purpose of deportation.
All of this is taking place while awaiting the appointment next month of the new prison director by the EDY.
Watch the report by Christoforos Nestoros:
