Municipalities seek reversal of Ayios Sozomenos prison plan

Ayios Sozomenos, Cyprus. The municipalities of South Nicosia-Idalion and Latsia-Yeri said on Tuesday they will raise their objections to a planned central prisons complex directly with Justice Minister Costas Fitiris. They have called on the government to revoke its decision to build the complex in Ayios Sozomenos, near the Green Line.

Meeting sought after minister’s letter

The two municipal councils held a joint session on Monday evening to discuss a letter from Fitiris. Latsia-Yeri mayor Christos Pittaras said the minister had requested a meeting, but no date had been set. The municipalities will respond and seek to discuss how the plans are developing and what steps to take next, he said.

Pittaras said the municipalities were particularly concerned that the decision had been announced without informing them beforehand. He questioned why the government had consulted the municipality of Mathiatis, the originally intended site, but had not done the same with South Nicosia-Idalion and Latsia-Yeri, which together have about 60,000 residents.

Concerns over selected site

Pittaras said new concerns about the location were emerging, including its proximity to an archaeological site and a protected Natura area. He said the proposed construction was incompatible with the selected site.

The government initially intended to build the prisons complex at Mathiatis but quickly abandoned that plan after opposition from local residents.