Nicosia, Cyprus. Justice Minister Costas Fitiris visited the central prisons on Tuesday, less than 48 hours after inmates set a fire in the maximum-security Wing Four, sending a prison officer to hospital with smoke inhalation problems.
The minister was briefed on the response to the incident, as well as staffing shortages, working conditions and overcrowding at the facility.
Visit to Wing Four
Fitiris was shown Wing Four, where the fire occurred on Sunday evening. According to an official statement, damage to the wing had been repaired and it was operating normally.
He met prison management and staff and held discussions with Pasydy union representatives for prison wardens, who presented their views and recommendations.
Security measures
The minister was informed of the actions taken since the incident and instructed authorities to maintain constant monitoring of security matters and ensure the best possible operation of the central prison.
Sunday fire
Prison authorities said three inmates in the maximum-security wing deliberately set fire to their cells and a corridor on Sunday evening.
A prison warden was taken to hospital for smoke inhalation, while the wing was evacuated. The incident prompted renewed calls to address overcrowding at the facility.