Mathiatis, Cyprus. Justice Minister Costas Fitiris outlined plans for a new central prison on the outskirts of Mathiatis during a meeting with the community council on Wednesday evening.
He said the government aims to build modern prison facilities outside urban areas and that the new complex would meet security, functionality and human rights requirements.
Rationale and local impact
Fitiris told the council the project would promote development in the area, creating new financial activities and employment opportunities for residents.
“The operation of the complex will entail increased mobility in the area, which is expected to strengthen local entrepreneurship and services,” he said.
Consultation and next steps
In an announcement, the justice ministry said a discussion followed in which community council members asked questions and recorded initial opinions.
The ministry said it was agreed the project’s master plan would be presented in detail to the community in the coming period to provide a complete picture and allow for the formulation of positions and suggestions.
Fitiris said the state is proceeding with transparency, dialogue and respect for local communities, and described the project as a significant investment for the state and public security.
Overcrowding cited; community consent raised
On Monday, Fitiris told the House human rights committee that the new central prison would be constructed on the outskirts of Mathiatis following widespread overcrowding at existing facilities.
Mathiatis community leader Theodoros Tsatsos later told the Cyprus Mail the prison could only be constructed there if the community agreed to it.
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