**Fitiris Hopes for Construction of New Prison to Begin by End of Next Year**
Justice Minister Costas Firitis announced on Sunday that the Cypriot government is targeting the end of 2024 to commence construction of a new central prison. Speaking to the newspaper Politis, Firitis emphasized the need for a modern prison complex that adheres to security standards, provides humane living conditions for inmates, and ensures a suitable working environment for prison staff.
Firitis acknowledged that the project is ambitious, requiring thorough planning and a timeline of approximately five years for completion. He stated, “This is a project which the country needs and which we have already put on track for implementation.” The minister highlighted the inadequacies of the current prison system, noting that the existing facilities were built 135 years ago and were designed for a much smaller inmate population than what is currently accommodated.
The current central prison has been criticized for its overcrowded conditions, which are among the most severe in the European Union. According to data released by Eurostat in May, Cyprus has an occupancy rate of 227.6 percent, significantly higher than Slovenia's 134.2 percent and France's 129.3 percent. This figure indicates that the prison is housing more than double the number of inmates it was designed to hold.
Firitis pointed out that the existing prison was constructed in a different era, leading to conditions that do not meet modern standards. He remarked, “The reality is that today’s prison was designed for a completely different era and for a much smaller number of prisoners than it is called upon to accommodate today.” The minister underscored the necessity of a new facility to address the current challenges faced by the prison system.
The proposed site for the new prison has been identified near the village of Mathiatis in the Nicosia district. However, local opposition has emerged, with village mukhtar Theodoros Tsatsos expressing concerns about the project. Tsatsos stated that he has not agreed to the construction plans, emphasizing that they can only proceed with the village’s consent. He highlighted that Mathiatis already hosts two army camps, archaeological sites, churches, and farms, arguing that there is insufficient space for a new prison.
In addition to overcrowding, the existing prison has faced scrutiny from the Council of Europe’s committee for the prevention of torture. The committee has raised “grave concerns” regarding high levels of inter-prisoner violence and the failure of prison staff to ensure the safety of inmates. The report attributed these issues to a chronic shortage of frontline officers, which has allowed stronger groups of inmates to exert control and impose informal punishments, compromising safety and order within the facility.
Living conditions in the current prison have been described as very poor, with severe overcrowding affecting the well-being of inmates. Reports indicate that up to four prisoners share cells measuring less than six square meters, forcing two individuals to sleep on mattresses on the floor. Furthermore, access to sanitation facilities is inadequate, with more than half of the prison blocks lacking in-cell sanitary provisions.
As the government moves forward with plans for the new prison, Firitis reiterated the importance of addressing these longstanding issues. He stated that the project is not something that can be completed overnight but is a strategic development that will serve the country’s needs for many decades to come. The minister confirmed that cooperation is underway with the Council of Europe Development Bank for the technical preparation and financing of the new facility.
As the timeline for the new prison's construction progresses, it remains to be seen how the government will address local concerns and ensure that the new facility meets the necessary standards for both security and humane treatment of inmates. The commitment to creating a modern prison complex reflects a broader recognition of the urgent need for reform within Cyprus's penal system.