**Union Calls for Inmate Reduction Following Central Prison Fire**
In the wake of a fire incident at the central prisons in Cyprus, the civil servants’ union Pasydy has urged for a reduction in the number of inmates and highlighted the pressing issue of staffing shortages within the prison system. The fire, which occurred on Sunday, resulted in a prison officer being hospitalized due to smoke inhalation.
According to prison authorities, the blaze was intentionally set by three inmates housed in a maximum-security wing designated for individuals with mental health needs. The incident prompted the evacuation of the affected wing, known as wing four, which has recently drawn attention due to a series of troubling events. Notably, this wing was the site of a fatal assault in December, where a Greek Cypriot inmate killed an Egyptian inmate.
Pasydy condemned the circumstances surrounding the fire as “unacceptable,” emphasizing that the operations of the prison cannot rely solely on the efforts of an already overburdened staff. The union pointed out that the current staffing levels are inadequate to ensure the safety and security of both inmates and staff, which can lead to dangerous situations.
In a statement, Pasydy reiterated the need for an “immediate reduction in the number of inmates,” citing that Cyprus has the highest prison occupancy rate in the European Union. Recent Eurostat data from May indicated that the occupancy rate in Cypriot prisons stands at an alarming 227.6 percent, significantly higher than Slovenia, which has the second-highest rate at 134.2 percent. The union expressed that such overcrowding, combined with understaffing, severely limits the capacity for effective supervision and management of inmates, thereby increasing the risk of incidents like the recent fire.
In light of these concerns, Pasydy plans to request a meeting with Justice Minister Costas Fitiris to discuss the pressing issues of inmate overcrowding and staffing shortages. The union is advocating for immediate action to ensure safe working conditions for prison staff and to implement measures that would alleviate the overcrowding crisis.
The call for reform comes at a critical time as the prison system faces scrutiny over its ability to maintain safety and order. The recent fire incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that arise from both overcrowding and inadequate staffing. As discussions continue, the union and other stakeholders are hopeful for a resolution that prioritizes the safety of both inmates and prison staff alike.