**Convicts Released on Presidential Pardon to Address Prison Overcrowding Ahead of Religious Holiday**
In a move aimed at alleviating severe overcrowding in Cypriot prisons, both Cypriot nationals and foreign offenders are set to be released on Wednesday under a presidential pardon. This decision comes just ahead of the August 15 religious holiday, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, and is part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Justice to manage the prison population effectively.
The Justice Ministry has indicated that the individuals being released are minor offenders who meet specific criteria outlined in a list approved by the Law Office. This initiative is designed to ensure that the rights of detainees are respected while also considering public safety.
The Ministry has acknowledged the pressing need to address the overcrowding situation, which has been exacerbated by the limited capacity of the central prison and police detention facilities. Reports indicate that living conditions for inmates have deteriorated significantly, with the Council of Europe’s committee for the prevention of torture highlighting that some cells, measuring less than six square meters, are accommodating up to four prisoners. In these cramped conditions, inmates often have to sleep on mattresses on the floor, raising serious concerns about hygiene and safety.
Recent reports have illustrated the extent of the overcrowding crisis, noting that police detention facilities are also under strain. Some detainees are being forced to sleep on floors due to the high number of individuals held in these facilities. An entry in the logbook of the Lakatamia police station recorded that the number of detainees had reached 77, pushing the facility to operate at 110% of its capacity. Senior police officials have been made aware of this troubling situation.
As part of the strategy to manage the prison population, the Justice Ministry is also working on the repatriation or deportation of foreign minor offenders whose asylum applications have been rejected. While some of these individuals may be deported immediately, others will undergo further processing.
The issue of overcrowding in Cypriot prisons has been a longstanding concern. In February, President Nikos Christodoulides granted pardons to 11 third-country nationals who were set for release later in the year, and they were deported shortly thereafter. The need for such measures has been underscored by the growing pressure on police facilities, where convicted prisoners are being held due to the lack of space in the central prison.
Nicos Loizides, head of the police branch of the Isotita trade union, has reported that there are approximately 160 available spots for detainees across police stations in Cyprus, with up to 80% currently occupied by convicted prisoners and individuals awaiting trial. This situation highlights the critical need for systemic changes within the penal system to ensure compliance with international standards and to safeguard the rights of all detainees.
The Justice Ministry has reiterated its commitment to continue efforts to reduce overcrowding in accordance with legal frameworks and international conventions. As the situation evolves, the Ministry aims to maintain a balance between public safety and the humane treatment of individuals within the justice system.