Nicosia, Cyprus. A 23-year-old trans woman serving a six-year prison sentence for smuggling 890 grams of cocaine has been transferred to a separate area of the central prison amid concerns she could face violence from other inmates.
Court ruling and prison placement
Local media reported on Thursday that the Larnaca criminal court issued its ruling in the case on Tuesday. The woman, who is legally recognised as a woman, is of Brazilian descent and reportedly does not speak Greek or English. She initially requested placement in the women’s wing of the central prison.
Prison department response
The prison department described her current placement as temporary and said special instructions have been issued for her supervision and protection while she accesses prison services and activities. In a letter, the department said the arrangement is provisional and based on security grounds.
The department rejected claims that not placing her in the women’s wing undermines her gender identity, stating that it adapts measures based on human dignity, the prohibition of degrading treatment, equal treatment, and the maximum possible protection of all persons under its custody.
Lawyer calls for reassessment
The woman’s lawyer, Evanthia Constantinou, appealed to authorities to reassess the interim arrangement and follow European guidelines to establish a permanent solution that fully respects her client’s dignity.
Constantinou said her client’s language barriers prevent her from engaging with others and exclude her from educational or social programmes. She warned that serving the sentence in isolation could cause severe psychological distress and negatively affect her mental health.
What measures should prison authorities take to ensure both inmate safety and equal access to services in this case?