Justice Ministry and prison officers’ union clash over allegations of violence, drugs and overcrowding

Local central prisonsprisonsTop Newsunions Justice Ministry and prison officers’ union clash over allegations of violence, drugs and overcrowding Museum Cells 2c Central Jail Of Nicosia Relevant News Justice Ministry and prison officers’ union clash over allegations of violence, drugs and overcrowding 6 August 2026 Five Palestinians sent to trial over alleged Cyprus terrorism plot targeting Israeli interests 6 August 2026 Why does life in Cyprus slow down in August? 6 August 2026 newsroom 6 August 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber The ISOTITA trade union has accused Central Prisons of facing violence, drug trafficking, overcrowding and understaffing, prompting the Ministry of Justice and Public Order to reject the criticism and call for cooperation. The ministry said it was responding for the last time to repeated letters from the union on the same issues, which it said caused unnecessary work for public services and society. It called for “seriousness, cooperation not noise”. ISOTITA later replied that the ministry was offering “many words, zero action”, accusing it of focusing on communication rather than solutions. In its announcement on Thursday, ISOTITA’s Prison Officers Branch Council said two inmate fights took place simultaneously on August 5th, in Wing 5 and Wing 2B. According to the union, an inmate was injured during the incident in Wing 5. The union said the incidents were not an isolated bad day but part of a recorded sequence of events. It referred, among other cases, to an allegation of rape of an inmate in Wing 5 in September 2025, which it said was at an advanced stage of investigation. ISOTITA also referred to a fight involving sharp objects in Wing 1B in June 2026, during which there was an injury and homemade weapons were seized, as well as a stabbing incident in a high-security wing in July. According to the union, a staff member was taken to hospital after inhaling smoke during that incident. The union said it was also referring to a court-recorded case involving drug trafficking inside the prison and a report by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture. It argued that long-standing understaffing makes it harder to protect both inmates and staff. ISOTITA further alleged an attempt to silence the union, saying its former vice-president and press spokesman was dismissed without notice or compensation on 31 July. It added that disciplinary proceedings were pending against six union members, with none completed. The union said it had already submitted its demands in writing, giving a seven-day deadline for a response. It is seeking full protection from biological risks, adequate staffing, immediate decongestion of the prison population and humane working conditions. “We are not asking for immunity. We are asking for a state that controls its prisons,” the announcement concluded, signed by Prison Officers Branch Council president Georgios Maltezos. Ministry says it is already taking measures The Ministry of Justice said it continuously monitors the situation at Central Prisons and is aware of challenges linked to overcrowding, increased needs and long-standing weaknesses. It said measures have already been launched to strengthen staffing, improve infrastructure, introduce alternative sentences and develop new facilities. The ministry said the issues have been known for years and that repeating claims does not contribute to resolving them. “The situation needs seriousness, cooperation not noise. Noise only creates unnecessary disturbance. Problems are solved with planning and work, and that is what the ministry is doing,” it said. It added that union letters would be examined when they are documented and respectful, while rejecting letters it said were intended to create impressions or insecurity while efforts were being made to resolve the problems. The ministry said everyone would ultimately be judged by results and that it would continue working towards its announced goals concerning public order, the safety of staff and inmates. It added that it would soon provide an account of its progress. ISOTITA rejects ministry response In its response to the ministry, ISOTITA accused officials of attempting to silence criticism through references to a “last time” response. The union said the public only learns about the situation inside Central Prisons through such interventions and accused the ministry of failing to act. “Many words, zero action,” it said, adding that staff and inmates continue to face risks in an environment affected by overcrowding. The union said seriousness meant protecting human life rather than managing the crisis through communication. It also criticised the ministry’s statement that it was monitoring the situation, arguing that this amounted to remaining a spectator while security deteriorated. ISOTITA called on the ministry to stop what it described as communication games, leave aside threats and deliver results for the safety of prison officers and inmates. The union added that it would continue raising the issue internationally until safety and legality were restored at Central Prisons. It concluded that history and events would judge who was truly working and who was simply managing impressions. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Five Palestinians sent to trial over alleged Cyprus terrorism plot targeting Israeli interests Why does life in Cyprus slow down in August? 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