The Cypriot government has unveiled a significant plan to address severe prison overcrowding by deporting foreign nationals convicted of less serious offences. This decisive initiative, announced on Tuesday, is specifically designed to alleviate pressure on the Central Prison and tackle systemic issues plaguing the facility. President Nikos Christodoulides stated that all foreign nationals incarcerated for non-serious crimes will be repatriated and subsequently banned from re-entering Cyprus.
Currently, the Central Prison houses a total of 1,120 inmates, with foreign nationals constituting a substantial majority. Out of this figure, 599 are foreign nationals compared to 521 Cypriots. The disparity is particularly evident among convicted individuals, where 378 foreigners are serving sentences, and a considerable 221 are awaiting trial as detained suspects. This significant imbalance has evidently compelled the administration to seek immediate and effective remedies.
To expedite these measures, President Christodoulides has directed the Attorney General and the Justice Minister to conduct an urgent assessment of the current inmate population. The proposed strategy involves not only the expulsion of foreign offenders but also the potential for early release for approximately 175 inmates convicted of minor infractions. Notably, a significant portion of these individuals, around 100, are foreign nationals.
While the overarching objective of reducing the prisoner count through deportations has been clearly articulated, specific details regarding the exact criteria for deportation and the implementation timeline are still emerging. The government anticipates that removing foreign nationals convicted of minor offences will demonstrably improve the prison’s capacity and overall management.
Nevertheless, the proposed policy raises several complex questions concerning legal protections for foreign inmates, including those with asylum status or subsidiary protection. Concerns have also been voiced regarding individuals from countries not currently deemed safe for repatriation. The government has not yet clarified whether voluntary deportation will be incentivised or if similar early release provisions will be extended to Cypriot inmates convicted of comparable offences. Despite these ambiguities, officials appear committed to implementing these measures to create a more sustainable correctional system.