MVP

Tag: Central Prisons

  • Justice Minister to Unveil New Measures for Central Prisons

    Justice Minister to Unveil New Measures for Central Prisons

    Justice Minister Costas Fytiris is set to announce significant measures aimed at enhancing conditions at the Central Prisons. His commitment follows a series of visits to the facility, where he has been assessing the current state of affairs.

    During a visit to the Limassol Police Directorate on Monday, Fytiris remarked, “Soon I will be in a position to announce measures for the Central Prisons that will help improve the correctional facility.” This statement underscores the urgency and importance of reforming the prison system.

    Having made three visits to the prisons, the minister plans another inspection on Wednesday. His aim is to gain firsthand insight into the realities faced within the facility, which he believes is crucial for identifying effective solutions.

    When questioned about the potential introduction of a mobile phone jamming system, Fytiris assured reporters that the ministry would consider all existing issues. “Whatever problems exist, we will solve them, rest assured,” he stated, reflecting his proactive approach to addressing challenges within the correctional system.

    In light of rising crime rates in Limassol, Fytiris expressed his determination to ensure public safety. He stated, “This is the goal and we will do whatever is necessary to achieve it.” His comments highlight the government’s commitment to creating an environment where citizens feel secure at all times.

    Fytiris described the structure of the police force as a pyramid, with ordinary officers forming the base that supports the entire organisation, culminating in the leadership. He commended the dedication of both rank-and-file officers and senior officials, acknowledging the challenging nature of their work.

    With an increase in checks and investigations under a programme issued by Police Headquarters, Fytiris noted that police efforts to tackle crime have intensified. “We will continue in this framework so that crime and illegal actions are reduced to a minimum,” he added, reinforcing his focus on a comprehensive strategy to combat criminal activity.

  • Justice Minister Commits to Reform Central Prisons Following Inmate Deaths

    Justice Minister Commits to Reform Central Prisons Following Inmate Deaths

    The Justice Minister has pledged significant changes to the Central Prisons after two inmates tragically died within a week. Costas Fytiris announced a “swift, substantial and comprehensive intervention” to tackle pressing issues within the facility, emphasising the need for urgent improvements.

    This announcement came after an urgent meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides, which followed the unsettling fatalities. The Minister visited the prison to receive updates from law enforcement and prison administration regarding the initial findings of the ongoing investigation into the deaths. He has since called for a prompt completion of this inquiry to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incidents.

    At the meeting with President Christodoulides, Minister Fytiris outlined his vision for addressing the “long-standing problems” plaguing the Central Prisons. He affirmed that he now had a clear understanding of the facility’s needs and expressed his determination to implement necessary changes.

    The Ministry of Justice has identified several priorities as part of its response, focusing on immediate, medium-term, and long-term measures. These initiatives revolve around three main axes:

    • Decongestion of the Central Prisons.
    • Improvement of inmate living conditions.
    • Upgrading surveillance and control measures to prevent delinquent behaviour.

    The Ministry highlighted that these actions are crucial to ensuring the prison operates in accordance with the rule of law and adheres to national and international human rights standards for all detainees and staff. Discussions also addressed the pressing issue of appointing a permanent director for the Central Prisons, a position that has remained vacant.

    The recent deaths have brought renewed scrutiny to the Nicosia Central Prisons, which have long been under fire for their conditions. Reports from the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) have classified the environment as one that constitutes inhuman and degrading treatment. The CPT’s visits in 2023 and 2025 confirmed that the facility is significantly overcrowded, with many inmates confined to spaces of less than 6m² and often forced to sleep on the floor.

    This overcrowding crisis is compounded by chronic understaffing, undermining essential safety and security protocols and resulting in heightened levels of violence among inmates. The volatile conditions have been linked to inadequate support for vulnerable prisoners and a significant risk of suicide.

    Moreover, the CPT has condemned the ongoing practice of holding minors in unsanitary conditions lacking basic services, urging authorities to immediately transfer all children and young adults to appropriate facilities.

  • Crisis at Central Prisons Deepens with Two Inmate Deaths

    Crisis at Central Prisons Deepens with Two Inmate Deaths

    The operational crisis at Cyprus’s Central Prisons has reached a critical juncture following the death of an inmate by apparent suicide in the early hours of Saturday. This tragic event marks the second inmate death within a week, prompting urgent discussions at the highest levels of government.

    In response to the alarming situation, President Nikos Christodoulides convened an emergency meeting with Minister of Justice Costas Fytiris. The Minister had made a swift visit to the prison to assess the circumstances surrounding the death, which is pending a formal autopsy report. His findings revealed severe issues within the facility, including chronic overcrowding and understaffing, which have been longstanding concerns.

    Central prisons: Urgent Calls for Reform

    Minister Fytiris is in the process of preparing a comprehensive report for the President, detailing the urgent needs and proposed remedial actions for the prison. Among these is the pressing requirement to appoint a permanent director, a position currently left vacant, thereby exacerbating the operational challenges.

    Alexandros Clerides, President of the Association for the Protection of Prisoners’ Rights, has vocally condemned the prison conditions, labelling them a “crime” that endangers the lives of inmates. He highlighted findings from the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), which pointed to severe deficiencies in resource allocation and staff levels. “No inmate can feel safe under this regime, and their families cannot be at ease about what tomorrow will bring,” Clerides stated, emphasising the urgent need for action.

    Government Under Fire

    Clerides also took aim at the government’s choice of advisors, arguing that those responsible for the current crisis cannot be trusted to provide effective solutions. He asserted that many in the Central Prisons Administration have faced disciplinary and criminal allegations without proper investigation, yet they remain in influential positions. This lack of accountability has raised serious concerns about the safety and welfare of inmates.

    In a bold demand, Clerides insisted on having representation from his association at any high-level discussions regarding prison reforms, asserting that they have been consistently validated in their warnings about the deteriorating conditions. “We have been proven absolutely correct on all the points we have been shouting about for so long,” he remarked, calling for immediate reforms to ensure the safety of all inmates.

    A Call for Transparency and Action

    The deaths of the two inmates within such a short span have ignited a firestorm of criticism against the prison system and the government’s handling of the crisis. The public is increasingly aware of the dire state of the Central Prisons, with many calling for transparency and accountability in the management of the facility.

    The government now faces mounting pressure to act swiftly and decisively to address the serious shortcomings that have led to this tragic situation. The urgency of the matter is evident, and the eyes of the nation are on the leaders as they navigate the complexities of prison reform in Cyprus.

  • Prisoner dies — Prisoner Dies Following Emergency Transfer to Nicosia General Hospital

    Prisoner dies — Prisoner Dies Following Emergency Transfer to Nicosia General Hospital

    prisoner dies — prisoner dies — A prisoner has tragically died after being transferred from Central Prisons to Nicosia General Hospital. The incident occurred on Saturday evening when the 45-year-old inmate began to feel unwell around 8:50 PM.

    • The authorities have confirmed that a statutory post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place tomorrow. This will provide further insights into the cause of death.
    • The Police have initiated an investigation into this sudden death, seeking to understand the circumstances surrounding the inmate’s health decline and subsequent transfer.

    Upon his arrival at the hospital, he exhibited serious cardiac and pulmonary issues. Despite the immediate medical attention provided by the hospital staff, he unfortunately passed away just minutes after being admitted.

    The authorities have confirmed that a statutory post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place tomorrow. This will provide further insights into the cause of death.

    The Police have initiated an investigation into this sudden death, seeking to understand the circumstances surrounding the inmate’s health decline and subsequent transfer.

  • Murder Suspect Remanded Following Fatal Stabbing of 80-Year-Old Father

    Murder Suspect Remanded Following Fatal Stabbing of 80-Year-Old Father

    murder suspect — murder suspect — A 48-year-old man accused of murdering his 80-year-old father, Giorgos Hadjigeorgiou, in Limassol has been remanded to Central Prisons. The suspect will remain behind bars until his trial commences at the Criminal Court on October 21, 2025.

    The tragic incident occurred in early July when the son allegedly fatally stabbed his father in their shared apartment. According to the Police, the suspect confessed to the crime shortly after it took place.

    Following the incident, the accused was admitted to Athalassa Hospital for observation. Last Wednesday, he was re-arrested and presented before the Limassol District Court. During this appearance, he was held for two days as a suspect of premeditated murder.

    Upon conclusion of his initial detention, the man was again brought before the District Court, where a direct trial was arranged for him at the Criminal Court, set to begin on the aforementioned date.

    Adding complexity to the situation, the victim’s wife and the suspect’s mother also resided in the same apartment building, raising further questions about the family dynamics involved in this distressing case.