Nicosia, Cyprus. Trade union Isotita’s prison branch accused union Pasydy and former political stakeholders of “hiding behind words” as it urged immediate action to build a new prison facility. It said the decision to proceed with construction is political and long overdue.
Call for immediate construction
In a statement on Thursday, Isotita said the central prisons dating from 1890 “no longer serve their purpose” and called on authorities to stop “patching up ruins.” The union described the need for a new facility as “a matter of life and death” for both inmates and prison staff.
Criticism of Pasydy’s stance
Isotita alleged that Pasydy had accepted minor improvements instead of demanding a new facility, saying it had settled for what were presented as “mitigating measures.” It claimed Pasydy had given a “free pass to hastiness” by accepting temporary solutions, which Isotita said helped enable state inaction.
Isotita’s actions and warnings
Isotita said it had opposed the approach it attributes to Pasydy, stating that it “closed the gate” and “took to the streets.” The union said overcrowding in unsuitable spaces was a “time bomb” and warned that without new prisons, authorities were “laying the foundations for the next uprising.”
Support for Justice Minister Costas Fitiris
The union welcomed Justice Minister Costas Fitiris’ recent decision to proceed with a new prison facility, calling it a “victory for the logic of responsibility.” Isotita said it felt a “moral obligation to intervene,” and claimed Pasydy had shifted its position after years of supporting an alternative approach.
Isotita said the justice minister had adopted its long-standing position after recognising the impasse it had described in previous years, and praised Fitiris for moving forward with what it called “the only solution that secures the future.”
Further allegations against Pasydy
Isotita also criticised Pasydy’s conduct, describing it as “unethical behaviour,” and alleged that Pasydy’s sudden support for Fitiris’ plans reflected “panic” in response to prison staff support for Isotita.
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