Authorities are preparing to repurpose the Menoyia Detention Centre for people held in police custody, with the facility expected to begin operating in its new role by mid-September.
The initiative is intended to relieve overcrowding in police holding cells and improve detention conditions.
Minister orders immediate preparations
Justice and Public Order Minister Costas Fitiris chaired a meeting on Monday and instructed officials to proceed immediately with all necessary works and operational arrangements, according to a ministry press release.
The meeting was attended by the leadership of Cyprus Police, the director of the Public Works Department and department representatives.
The ministry said the preparations should be completed in time for the premises to begin operating by mid-September.
Facility to be used exclusively for police custody
The Menoyia site previously operated as a pre-departure detention centre for foreign nationals. It is no longer used for that purpose following their transfer to the Limnes Centre.
The premises will now be used exclusively as temporary holding cells for people in police custody.
Measure targets overcrowding
“Overcrowding in police holding cells requires immediate and practical measures. Using the Menoyia Centre will contribute substantially to easing overcrowding, improving temporary detention conditions and managing detainees more effectively,” the press release concluded.
Source: CNA
