nicosia prisons — nicosia prisons — Police are moving to arrest inmates over a deliberate fire set in cells and a corridor of the high-security wing at Nicosia’s Central Prisons last night. Investigators from the Nicosia Criminal Investigation Department, along with Fire Service experts, have been examining wing 4 where the incident occurred.
The fire broke out around 10:15pm, with reports indicating that two inmates instigated the blaze. Authorities are focusing their investigation on four inmates linked to the incident, and arrest warrants may be issued later today for those believed to be responsible for the arson and malicious damage.
Fortunately, prison staff successfully evacuated all inmates without injury, although one member of staff was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure after inhaling smoke. Wing 4 is known for housing inmates serving long sentences due to problematic behaviour and is under heightened supervision.
Reports suggest that the fire was ignited in protest against the prison management’s refusal to extend the time inmates could remain outside their cells, particularly during significant events like the World Cup final. Unlike other wings, wing 4 lacks individual televisions, which has caused frustration among the inmates.
Some sources indicate that the underlying issue stems from inmates seeking transfers to different wings. Current conditions in wing 4 are particularly challenging, as it does not have power sockets for televisions or mobile phones. Several inmates have been requesting transfers for an extended period without success.
The incident has prompted strong reactions from the Prison Personnel Branch of PASYDY, which condemned the events at the Central Prisons. They reiterated the urgent need to address the prison’s overpopulation, which exceeds 200% capacity—the highest in the EU. This overcrowding, coupled with staff shortages, significantly hampers the ability to supervise inmates effectively and prevent such incidents from escalating.
