Cyprus will build a new prison outside Nicosia. The Justice Ministry will not expand the old prison. This is part of a plan to improve the prison system. The new prison will be modern. It will follow today's rules for prisons.
The Justice Minister, Costas Fytiris, said the new place will be very modern. It will be good for the 21st century. The old prison is too old. A new building will work better. It will also have better conditions for people. They have found a good place for it.
The plan also needs more staff. Ninety new prison officers will be hired. Hiring will start this month. This will help with the lack of staff. It means better care for everyone. The Prison Officers School will also be improved.
There will be other changes too. A new system will check staff performance. This will be fairer. They will also work to reduce the number of people in prison. This might mean shorter sentences for small crimes.
New cameras will be installed for better security. More help will be given to prisoners and staff. This includes nursing and mental health support. A system for changing staff jobs will also start. This is to help staff have a good work life.
Minister Fytiris said a prison is good when people can return to society. They want people to be able to live normal lives after prison. This is the main goal of their plan. They want to help people change.