The Justice Minister’s upcoming visit to the central prison follows serious concerns raised in a recent EU report regarding the facility’s conditions.
- The Justice Minister's upcoming visit to the central prison follows serious concerns raised in a recent EU report regarding the facility's conditions.
Central prison: Justice Minister’s Commitment to Prison Oversight
Justice Minister Costas Fitiris announced on Wednesday that he will visit the central prison on Thursday. His aim is to gather comprehensive information regarding the various issues that plague the facility. Fitiris stated, “I am here to obtain general information on all issues concerning the prison,” highlighting his intention to improve the existing situation.
EU Report Highlights Grave Concerns
The Council of Europe’s committee for the prevention of torture issued a report that outlined numerous alarming conditions within the central prison. Among its findings were significant failures by prison staff to ensure the safety of inmates. The report identified a chronic shortage of frontline officers as a critical factor contributing to the deterioration of safety and order.
Inter-Prisoner Violence and Overcrowding Issues
The committee’s report expressed grave concerns about high levels of inter-prisoner violence, stating that the staff shortage allowed groups of prisoners to dominate and impose informal punishments. The situation has been exacerbated by extreme overcrowding, with cells accommodating up to four inmates in spaces smaller than six square metres. This lack of personal space has led to dire sanitary conditions, with reports indicating that some prisoners have had to urinate in bottles and defecate in bags due to insufficient access to sanitation facilities.
Prison Guards Union Voices Alarm
The prison guards branch of the Pasydy union has echoed the concerns raised in the EU report, declaring that conditions at the central prison have “exceeded all limits of endurance and tolerance.” The union emphasised that the state could no longer afford to remain silent on the matter. They warned of an “explosive security crisis” that poses risks to both inmates and prison staff.
Violence and Criminal Activity Within the Facility
Recent incidents have underscored the urgency of the situation. On Sunday, a 35-year-old inmate was murdered within the prison, leading to the arrest of a fellow inmate on suspicion of premeditated murder. Furthermore, a 30-year-old convict in custody is being investigated for potential involvement in the murder of Limassol businessman Stavros Demosthenous, which occurred in October.
Allegations of Sexual Assault and Negligence
In September, a prisoner reported that he was repeatedly raped by fellow inmates, accusing the prison authorities of failing to act on early warnings and covering up the criminal acts. This incident has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the prison administration in protecting inmates from violence and abuse.
Union Calls for Fundamental Changes
The Pasydy union has articulated that the current climate within the prison system is intolerable. They argued that assigning policing roles to prison staff would compromise their safety and hinder the trust needed for successful rehabilitation programmes. The union concluded that the only viable solution is the construction of a new prison facility, one that adheres to European standards for security, living, and working conditions.
Decades of Neglect and the Urgency for Reform
Decades of decay in the prison infrastructure have left staff carrying out their duties in conditions that fail to meet even basic safety standards. The union’s position is clear: without significant changes, both inmates and staff are at risk of becoming victims of the violence that permeates the prison environment.
Looking Ahead: Minister’s Visit as a Catalyst for Change
As Justice Minister Costas Fitiris prepares for his visit, there is cautious hope that his engagement with the prison system will lead to meaningful reforms. The spotlight on the central prison, intensified by the EU report and ongoing incidents, may finally prompt the necessary actions to address the critical issues that have long been ignored.
