syrian prisoners — Syrian prisoners in Cyprus have staged a meal boycott as a protest against delays in their early release under a presidential pardon. The protest occurred on Wednesday at the Central Prison, specifically among the Syrian inmates in wing 11, who refused to go to the kitchens for lunch.
According to sources from philenews, the inmates are frustrated with what they perceive as slow processing of their cases, which have been affected by bureaucratic hurdles. The Cypriot government had previously announced plans to release approximately 130 prisoners, most of whom are of Syrian origin. This initiative is part of a broader effort to alleviate prison overcrowding, particularly following the Christmas and New Year releases.
These planned releases target inmates convicted of non-serious crimes, allowing them to return home under a repatriation programme. The list of potential releases includes individuals whose sentences are set to expire by 2026. Officials have determined that it is in the state’s interest to repatriate these prisoners rather than keep them incarcerated in Cyprus, as their offences do not involve serious crimes such as murder, drug trafficking, or sexual offences.
In response to the protests, prison management explained that all necessary procedures must be followed to evaluate the prisoners’ applications for release and repatriation. A team from the Police Immigration Service is already conducting daily visits to the prison to assess cases, including issues related to travel documents and residency status.
Following this explanation, the protesting prisoners ended their boycott and expressed hope that the releases would commence soon. Meanwhile, Syria’s ambassador to Cyprus has formally requested the return of prisoners who meet the established criteria, reinforcing the diplomatic efforts surrounding this issue.
