Cyprus prisons overcrowded by more than 200% — human rights defenders blame the state

The Association for the Protection of the Rights of Prisoners and Detainees reported that prisons in the Republic of Cyprus are overcrowded by more than 200%. This was stated by the president of the association, lawyer Alexandros Kliridis. According to him, the current detention conditions violate prisoners’ rights and pose risks to their physical and mental health.

In Nicosia Central Prison, there is only one social and psychological support officer for 1,000 prisoners. Lawyers are limited in the time they can meet with their clients, making legal assistance difficult. Overcrowding leads to double cells being used as dormitories, with people sleeping on mattresses on the floor. The canteen cannot handle the flow, so many prisoners are forced to eat in their cells. The toilets are designed for 500 people, but are used by more than 1,000; cleaning is carried out by the prisoners themselves. In addition, smoking is widespread, and the lack of guards contributes to the emergence of informal hierarchies among inmates.

Kliridis noted that such conditions violate Articles 1, 3 and 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. According to the association, overcrowding increases the risk of violence, drug trafficking and other incidents inside prisons.

The Ministry of Justice of Cyprus stated that the problem was inherited from the previous government, when prison occupancy already exceeded 170%. The authorities note that three new facilities with 860 places have been built over the past year, and an employment center for prisoners has been opened. In July, the Council of Europe also expressed concern about prison conditions in Cyprus. The Ministry of Justice is currently implementing a strategic plan to improve the situation.

For Cyprus residents, this problem means a possible deterioration of public safety and the need to reform the penitentiary system to respect basic human rights and reduce the risk of reoffending among former prisoners.