**Prison Guards Accuse Justice Minister of Staging PR Stunt During Visit**
The prison officers' union, Isotita (Equality), has publicly criticized Justice Minister Costas Fitiris, accusing him of conducting a publicity stunt during his recent visit to the central prisons. The visit took place just 48 hours after a fire incident occurred in Wing 4 of the facility, prompting concerns from the union regarding the timing and effectiveness of the minister's actions.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Isotita expressed dissatisfaction with the minister's visit, arguing that by the time Fitiris arrived, the damage from the fire had already been repaired, and additional fire safety measures had been implemented. The union characterized the visit as a superficial attempt to address serious issues within the prison system rather than a genuine effort to engage with the challenges faced by prison staff.
The union also took issue with the ministry's assertion that a meeting with its leadership could not occur due to the absence of key officials. Isotita clarified that five of its representatives, including the secretary, were present at the prison during Fitiris's visit but were not informed or consulted about the minister’s presence. The union has called for the ministry to retract its statement regarding the absence of its officials, labeling it as "false and offensive."
Furthermore, Isotita raised concerns about the lack of communication regarding working conditions and safety within the prison. The union questioned who had briefed the minister on these critical issues, noting that the officers who responded to the fire and those who sustained injuries were not given the opportunity to voice their experiences or concerns during the visit.
The union highlighted its exclusion from discussions on prison safety, despite representing the frontline staff who are directly affected by these issues. It pointed out that concerns regarding prison conditions have already been brought to the attention of European and international organizations, indicating that the problems are not new and require urgent attention.
Isotita reiterated that many key safety issues within the prison remain unresolved. They cited ongoing problems such as manually operated wing doors, persistent overcrowding, and working conditions that they claim endanger the safety of prison officers. The union emphasized that these issues need to be addressed comprehensively to ensure the safety and well-being of both staff and inmates.
As of now, Isotita is still awaiting a written response from Minister Fitiris regarding concerns raised in a previous statement. The ongoing dialogue between the union and the ministry appears strained, with Isotita seeking more meaningful engagement on the pressing issues affecting the prison system.
The situation highlights the complex challenges faced by prison staff in Cyprus, as well as the need for effective communication and collaboration between the ministry and the union to address safety and operational concerns within the central prisons.