Justice Minister Kostas Fytiris told lawmakers Monday that a sweeping overhaul of Cyprus’ prison system is already under way, describing it as a core pillar of the government’s efforts to strengthen the rule of law, public safety and human‑rights protections.
Briefing the House Human Rights Committee, Fytiris said the reform plan spans infrastructure, staffing, security, legislation and rehabilitation, forming what he called a “comprehensive and coordinated framework” rather than isolated fixes.
He highlighted several key measures:
- Reducing overcrowding, including new criteria for early release, expanded use of electronic monitoring and voluntary repatriation for foreign inmates.
- Strengthening staffing, with recruitment of 90 new prison officers and an ongoing process to fill the post of prison director.
- Upgrading security, including new operational protocols and modern technology such as CCTV, systems blocking mobile‑phone use and anti‑drone protection.
- Improving facilities, both through upgrades to existing buildings and planning for a new modern prison complex, for which a site has already been selected with local community support.
- Enhancing health services, including upgraded medical, nursing and psychological care.
- Expanding rehabilitation programs, from addiction‑treatment initiatives to pilot schemes linking inmates with the labor market.
- Advancing legislative reforms to modernize prison governance and broaden alternatives to incarceration.
Fytiris also addressed a recent report by the Audit Office, calling its findings “serious” and saying many issues were already being tackled. The report, he said, serves as a guide for further corrective action.
He stressed that the government’s goal is a “modern and humane correctional system” that safeguards both security and dignity while supporting prison staff in their work.