Justice and Public Order Minister Costas Fytiris has described the findings of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) as a ‘road map’ for addressing long‑standing problems in Cyprus’s Central Prisons, while confirming plans for a new correctional facility in Mathiatis.
Speaking on Friday on the sidelines of an event at the Police Academy, the minister said that the CPT’s recommendations would guide ongoing efforts to improve conditions. He added that the Central Prisons are expected to be renamed as a correctional institution in the future.
Fytiris noted that the CPT delegation is currently in Cyprus for a roundtable discussion linked to the report’s presentation, in the context of the country’s presidency activities, and that meetings with officials are also scheduled.
Master plan by early autumn
Referring to the construction of new prison facilities, the minister said that a suitable site has already been identified at Mathiatis. Discussions have also taken place with the Council of Europe Development Bank regarding potential funding for the project.
‘Our aim is to begin works as soon as possible, once the necessary studies for the new complex are completed,’ he said.
He added that a master plan for the project is expected to be ready by September or early October and will be presented to local communities.
Ongoing problems at existing prisons
Addressing conditions at the current facilities, Fytiris said he has visited the prisons seven or eight times since taking office in order to assess the situation first‑hand.
He noted that key issues have already been mapped, and that steps have been launched since January to recruit a new director and 90 additional prison officers, improve living conditions and upgrade technology, including measures to detect incidents such as drones carrying contraband.
The minister acknowledged that conditions remain far from ideal and said he would not portray the situation as satisfactory.
‘What we are doing is moving as quickly as possible to implement the measures needed for the existing prisons,’ he said.
However, he stressed that the current facilities cannot be transformed into modern prisons.
‘We must be honest. Our goal during the transition period is to improve conditions as much as possible for both staff and inmates until the new facilities are built,’ he added.
