**Number of Gender Violence Cases Shows Need for Red Flag App, Says Minister**
As incidents of gender-based violence continue to rise in Cyprus, Justice Minister Costas Fitiris has underscored the urgent need for a coordinated response among state authorities through the anticipated Red Flag platform. This application, which has faced a five-year delay, is expected to be launched by the end of this year.
Speaking on Sigma’s Protoselido programme, Fitiris expressed optimism regarding the platform's implementation timeline. “I estimate and want to believe that it will be implemented by the end of the year,” he stated. The Red Flag platform aims to facilitate early intervention by enabling authorities to respond promptly to incidents of violence. According to Fitiris, the platform will allow for the recording of initial incidents, which will then trigger a mobilization of all relevant services upon a second occurrence.
The minister's announcement came during a session at the House human rights committee, where he elaborated on the app's development in collaboration with various organizations. The primary goal of the Red Flag platform is to provide early warnings for high-risk cases, thereby preventing escalation and ensuring the safety of potential victims.
Fitiris highlighted the increasing number of gender violence cases as a critical concern, emphasizing that effective cooperation among state authorities is essential for violence prevention. He noted that the current statistics reflect the urgent need for initiatives like the Red Flag platform.
In addition to addressing gender-based violence, Fitiris discussed the establishment of a new service informally referred to as the "Cyprus FBI." He mentioned that while the team for this initiative has been organized, its operational launch has been hindered by bureaucratic delays. “I hope to reach a conclusion within the month,” he remarked, indicating that a central location for the service has already been identified to enhance coordination among team members.
Shifting focus to the state of the prison system in Cyprus, Fitiris pointed out that the existing central prisons, which date back to 1890, do not meet contemporary standards for public safety and human rights. He announced that a new prison facility will be constructed within the next five years, as per a cabinet decision. Describing the project as “large-scale and expensive,” he acknowledged the ongoing issue of overcrowding in the current facilities, which are designed to accommodate 800 inmates but currently house approximately 1,200.
To address this overcrowding, Fitiris mentioned potential measures being considered, including the early release of offenders sentenced to up to one year in prison after they have served 50% of their sentence. This option, however, would require approval from the parole board. The minister also indicated that efforts are underway to extend this early release measure to those serving sentences of up to two years.
Regarding the location of the new prison, Fitiris stated that three sites are currently under consideration: Mathiatis, an area in Ayios Sozomenos, and a third undisclosed location. He noted that if the Mathiatis option were to be abandoned due to local opposition or higher costs, the ministry would explore the other two sites. Despite potential changes in location, Fitiris assured that the project's progress would remain unaffected, as procedures for securing financing, hiring consultants, and other preparatory tasks are advancing concurrently.
In summary, Justice Minister Costas Fitiris has called attention to the rising cases of gender-based violence in Cyprus, advocating for the swift implementation of the Red Flag platform to enable timely interventions. Alongside this initiative, he has outlined plans for a new prison facility to address the shortcomings of the current prison system, emphasizing the government's commitment to improving public safety and human rights standards.