Justice Minister Costas Fytiris has committed to a “swift, substantial and comprehensive intervention” to reform the Central Prisons following the deaths of two inmates within a week. This urgent action comes in the wake of a meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides, where the dire conditions of the facility were discussed.
Immediately after the tragic events, Minister Fytiris visited the facility to receive updates from the Police and Prisons Administration regarding the initial findings of the ongoing investigation. He emphasised the necessity of concluding the inquiry swiftly to clarify the circumstances surrounding the fatalities.
During his meeting with the President, Fytiris outlined the pressing needs of the Central Prisons and expressed his determination to address the “long-standing problems” that have plagued the institution. The Ministry of Justice has prioritised a series of measures aimed at tackling the systemic issues affecting the prison.
Central prisons: Key Areas of Focus for Reform
The Ministry outlined three core areas that will guide their reform efforts:
- Decongestion: The Central Prisons have been suffering from severe overcrowding, which has contributed significantly to the deteriorating conditions.
- Improving Living Conditions: Upgrades to the facilities are essential to ensure inmates have adequate living standards.
- Enhancing Surveillance and Control: This aims to curb delinquent behaviour and enhance safety within the institution.
The Ministry highlighted that these actions are imperative for ensuring that the prison operates in accordance with the rule of law and respects both national and international human rights standards for all detainees and staff.
Conditions Highlighted by Human Rights Groups
The recent deaths have drawn attention to a long-standing crisis at the Nicosia Central Prisons. The Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) has previously classified the prison conditions as constituting inhuman and degrading treatment. Reports from the CPT’s visits in 2023 and 2025 revealed alarming overcrowding, with inmates often confined to spaces of less than 6 square metres and some forced to sleep on the floor.
Chronic understaffing has exacerbated the situation, undermining basic safety protocols and leading to heightened levels of inter-prisoner violence. The breakdown of institutional control has been linked to inadequate support for vulnerable inmates and a significant suicide risk. The CPT has also condemned the practice of detaining minors in unhygienic conditions and has urged for their immediate transfer to appropriate facilities.
Next Steps for the Justice Minister
In light of the recent events, Minister Fytiris has acknowledged the need for an immediate response to these systemic issues. He confirmed that filling the vacant position of a permanent director at the Central Prisons is also an urgent priority. This leadership role is crucial to implementing the necessary reforms and ensuring that the institution can provide a safer environment for both inmates and staff.
The Minister’s pledge for reform reflects a commitment to addressing the long-standing challenges faced by the Central Prisons and is a critical step towards ensuring the dignity and rights of all individuals within the correctional system.
