Cyprus is embarking on a significant transformation of its correctional facilities, with the government recently approving the construction of a new, state-of-the-art central prison. This decision, revealed during a Human Rights Committee session, signifies a determined effort to alleviate severe strain on the existing system. Justice Minister Costas Fytiris acknowledged that the current situation has become unsustainable. The existing central prison will be repurposed exclusively for remand prisoners, a strategic move to combat chronic overcrowding and its negative effects on inmates and staff alike.
The urgent need for this ambitious project arises from a deeply entrenched crisis within the current prison infrastructure. Minister Fytiris candidly admitted that pervasive overcrowding and staff exhaustion can no longer be overlooked, impacting both human rights and operational efficiency. Despite pardon initiatives and accelerated deportations, the prison population has rebounded to approximately 1,175 inmates. A daily influx of eight to ten new arrests further exacerbates the problem, leading to severely overcrowded cells. A substantial one-third of all prisoners are currently awaiting trial, with foreign nationals comprising a significant 60% of this population.
In response to these pressing realities, the government is implementing a multi-faceted approach. The new correctional facility, designed as a closed-custody institution for 1,500 individuals, will be situated on secluded state-owned land near Mathiatis. This monumental project is projected to cost between €300 million and €350 million. Concurrently, the existing central prison will be reconfigured to house remand prisoners exclusively, strategically positioned near judicial courts. Further expansion at the current site has been halted, with resources now redirected towards the new construction.
Beyond the new prison, several complementary measures are being implemented. The Limnes detention centre for foreign nationals is nearing completion, expected by the end of April. This development coincides with an increase in deportations; 1,450 foreign nationals have been removed from the island recently. Additionally, the Menogeia Migrant Detention Center is slated for conversion into a juvenile facility. The government is also expanding alternative sentencing options, planning to increase electronic monitoring tags from thirty to eighty by March 31st. Legislative avenues for sentence relief are also being explored to mitigate immediate overcrowding pressures.
The proposed reforms also focus on professionalising the prison service. New legislation is being drafted to establish distinct employment criteria for prison guards and directors, aiming to improve management and accountability. A dedicated training academy for prison officers is planned, alongside consideration for a reward system for officers working in challenging posts. These comprehensive reforms demonstrate a commitment to enhancing public safety and upholding fundamental human rights, marking a pivotal moment for Cyprus's penal management system.