Prisons union alleges violence, drugs and overcrowding at Central Prisons as Justice Ministry pushes back

Local central prisonsCrimeTop Newsunions Prisons union alleges violence, drugs and overcrowding at Central Prisons as Justice Ministry pushes back Parliament Criminalises Mobile Phones In Central Prisons With Penalties Up To Three Years Relevant News Prisons union alleges violence, drugs and overcrowding at Central Prisons as Justice Ministry pushes back 6 August 2026 Italy on red alert, Hungary turns off the lights as Europe’s heatwave takes toll 6 August 2026 Greenpeace vigil commemorates Hiroshima and Nagasaki 6 August 2026 newsroom 6 August 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber ISOTITA’s prison officers’ union has raised allegations of violence, drug trafficking, overcrowding and understaffing at Central Prisons, while the Justice Ministry said the issues require seriousness and cooperation rather than noise. In an announcement issued on Thursday, the union’s Prison Officers Branch Council said two simultaneous clashes between inmates took place on August 5 in Wing 5 and Wing 2B. It said an inmate was injured during the incident in Wing 5. ISOTITA said the incidents were not an isolated bad day but part of a recorded series of events, including an allegation of rape involving a prisoner in Wing 5 in September 2025, which it said is at an advanced stage of investigation. The union also referred to a clash involving sharp objects in Wing 1B in June 2026, during which a person was injured and improvised 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 the same incident. ISOTITA also referred to what it described as a court-recorded case involving drug trafficking inside the prison, as well as a report by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture. The union argued that chronic understaffing makes it harder to protect inmates and staff. The union accused authorities of attempting to silence it, saying that on July 31 the then vice-president and press spokesman of the Prison Officers’ Branch Council was dismissed without notice or compensation. It said he was later elected as president of the council. The union added that disciplinary procedures remain pending against six union members, with none having been completed. ISOTITA said it had already submitted its demands in writing and set a seven-day deadline for a response. It is calling for full protection against biological risks, adequate staffing, immediate overcrowding measures and humane working conditions. The union concluded that it was not seeking immunity but a state that controls its prisons. The announcement was signed by Prison Officers’ Branch Council president Georgios Maltezos. The Justice Ministry said it was responding for the last time to repeated letters from ISOTITA on the same issues, which it said create unnecessary work for public services and society. The ministry said it continuously monitors conditions at the Central Prisons, is aware of challenges linked to overcrowding, increased needs and long-standing weaknesses, and acts whenever required. It said measures had already been put in motion to strengthen staffing, improve infrastructure, introduce alternative sentences and develop new facilities. The ministry added that repeating allegations does not contribute to resolving the problems. The ministry said the situation requires “seriousness and cooperation, not noise”, adding that problems are solved through planning and work. It said letters from the union would be examined when they are documented and respectful, and that it would continue working towards its stated goals on public order and the safety of staff and inmates. The ministry said it would soon provide an account of its actions and that all parties would ultimately be judged by the results. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Italy on red alert, Hungary turns off the lights as Europe’s heatwave takes toll Greenpeace vigil commemorates Hiroshima and Nagasaki Palmas receives Kalo Chorio fire report as investigations continue 37-year-old suspect in €827,400 vehicle fraud investigation remanded for eight days A medical waste disposal box. Really, is that too much to ask? A Reshuffle with One Eye on the Presidency Cyprus must not remain a bystander in GSI, says Charles Ellinas Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.