Dali and Latsia-Yeri seek reversal of Ayios Sozomenos prison site decision

Nicosia, Cyprus. Dali and Latsia-Yeri municipalities on Thursday called for the immediate revocation of the government’s decision to locate new central prisons in Ayios Sozomenos, saying the site was selected without adequate consultation.

The municipalities urged the government to halt further action and assess alternative locations until local authorities and affected communities are properly consulted.

Call for consultation and study

In a joint statement, the two municipalities said they recognised the need for modern infrastructure but maintained that a project of this scale should be located only after a comprehensive and scientifically documented study.

The municipalities, whose boundaries are adjacent to the abandoned village, said Ayios Sozomenos already accommodates industrial and agricultural activities, including livestock waste treatment facilities, quarries, pig farms and an EAC overhead power line.

They also noted that the site falls within land designated for livestock farming under a national plan to rebuild the sector, which they said must be considered in assessing the location’s suitability.

Representing a combined population of around 60,000 residents, the municipalities said local authorities could not be excluded from a decision with consequences for the wider region.

Government’s site selection

The call followed the justice ministry’s announcement on Tuesday that it had abandoned plans for Mathiatis in favour of Ayios Sozomenos, citing cost and time criteria.

The ministry said the Mathiatis site would have required significant new infrastructure, including roads, sewage, water and electricity networks. It said Ayios Sozomenos has nearby access to these services, reducing costs and construction time.

Justice Minister Costas Fitiris announced Mathiatis as the proposed site in March, citing its proximity to the capital and its status as state land.

Construction of the €300 million facility, designed to accommodate 1,500 inmates, was expected to begin next year and be completed within five years.