Mathiatis, Cyprus. Cyprus will construct a new central prison on the outskirts of Mathiatis to address overcrowding at existing facilities, Justice Minister Costas Fitiris told the House human rights committee on Monday.
Overcrowding and current prison population
Fitiris said the current central prison holds 1,175 inmates, with roughly a third being pre-trial detainees. He said overcrowding posed serious challenges for staff and prisoner welfare.
New prison project and capacity
Fitiris said the new facility is estimated to cost €300 million and will have capacity for 1,500 inmates. He said it will not house pre-trial detainees, who will remain in existing wings close to the courts for easier transport.
Fitiris said the location has been presented to the community and that there is no objection to the construction.
Broader reforms and related facilities
Fitiris said the project is part of a broader reform package to modernise Cyprus’ penitentiary system and improve safety and living conditions within prisons.
He said the detention centre for foreign nationals in Limnes is expected to be completed by the end of April. Illegal foreign inmates currently held in Menoyia will be transferred there, freeing Menoyia to accommodate minors who are currently held in a specialised wing of the central prisons.
Fitiris said the measures are intended to relieve chronic overcrowding while segregating populations to improve management and security.
Union reaction
Prison unions have expressed both concern and cautious approval of the reforms. The Pasydy union welcomed plans to build new facilities and recruit additional staff, but warned that delays could deepen existing crises.
How do you think the planned new prison and related transfers will affect overcrowding and inmate management in Cyprus?