**Title: Commissioner Raises Alarm Over Extended Detentions of Third Country Nationals in Cyprus**
Human Rights Commissioner Maria Stylianou Lottides has voiced significant concerns regarding the treatment of third country nationals detained in Cyprus for lacking the necessary residence documents. During a recent meeting with the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture, Lottides highlighted the issue of prolonged administrative detention in police holding cells, which she described as a troubling practice.
Lottides reported that individuals have been held in police cells in Larnaca and Limassol for durations extending up to six months. She emphasized that police holding cells are not appropriate for extended detention and urged that those currently in such conditions be transferred promptly to specialized facilities, such as the migrant detention center located in Limnes, near Menoyia in the Larnaca district.
The commissioner also criticized the detention facilities at Larnaca and Paphos airports, stating that they are unsuitable for any detention lasting more than a brief period. She pointed out that these airport facilities lack essential amenities, including access to outdoor space, natural light, and fresh air. Lottides proposed that individuals should not be held in airport cells for more than 24 hours and called for the establishment of an appropriate alternative facility to address this issue.
In discussing the Pournara migrant reception center, Lottides acknowledged the substantial improvements made in recent years. However, she noted that there are still unaccompanied minors present at the center. Currently, Pournara houses a total of 143 individuals, including eight unaccompanied minors, who are expected to be transferred to specialized accommodation facilities soon. This figure marks a significant reduction from 2022, when the center accommodated over 2,000 people.
The meeting also included remarks from a representative of the committee, who focused on the situation within the central prison in Cyprus. He noted that the prison population has more than doubled since his first visit in 2008, increasing from around 520 inmates to a current total that presents substantial challenges for both staff and inmates. The overcrowding has reportedly led to heightened violence among prisoners and has complicated staff management of the facility.
Additionally, the absence of a permanent governor at the central prison has been cited as a factor negatively impacting the operation of the penitentiary system. However, the representative welcomed plans for the construction of a new prison in the village of Mathiatis, as well as the hiring of 80 new prison wardens, which are expected to improve conditions.
While acknowledging past concerns regarding police treatment of detainees, the representative noted that the situation has improved significantly since 2008. He stated that earlier reports contained harsh references to incidents of deliberate physical ill-treatment of individuals in custody. Today, although credible allegations still exist, the overall state of affairs has become "almost unrecognizable," indicating progress in addressing human rights concerns within the detention system.
The discussions reflect ongoing efforts to address the challenges faced by detainees in Cyprus, particularly third country nationals and vulnerable populations such as unaccompanied minors. The call for improved facilities and conditions underscores the need for a more humane approach to detention and the treatment of individuals in custody.