Cyprus is building a new, modern prison. The government has approved this important project. It will help with the big problems in the current prison system. Justice Minister Costas Fytiris said the situation is too difficult now. The old prison will be used only for people waiting for trial. This will help reduce overcrowding.
The current prison is very full. This is a big problem for everyone. Minister Fytiris said overcrowding and tired staff cannot be ignored. It affects people's rights and how the prison works. Even with pardons and deportations, the prison still has about 1,175 people. Every day, 8 to 10 new people are arrested. This makes cells too full. Many people, one-third of all prisoners, are waiting for their court cases. Most of these are foreign citizens.
The government has a plan to fix this. The new prison will be a closed facility for 1,500 people. It will be built on land near Mathiatis. This project will cost about €300 million to €350 million. The old prison will then only hold remand prisoners. It will be near the courts. No more building will happen at the old site. Money is now for the new prison.
Other improvements are also happening. A new centre for foreign nationals will open soon. This is called Limnes. Many foreign citizens have also been sent back to their countries. Another centre, Menogeia, will become a place for young people. The government is also using more alternative punishments. More people will wear electronic tags instead of going to prison. They plan to have 80 tags by the end of March. They are also looking for ways to reduce sentences.
The reforms also aim to make the prison service more professional. New laws will define jobs for guards and managers. This should improve how the prison is run. A training school for prison staff is planned. There might also be rewards for staff in difficult jobs. These changes show Cyprus wants to improve safety and human rights. This is a big step for the country's prison system.