Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis discussed Central Prisons overcrowding on “Tomes sta Gegonota,” calling it a major challenge tied to outdated facilities. Overcrowding hinders international protocols, guarding, and rehabilitation. About 50% of inmates are foreigners.
Measures target deportation or voluntary return for non-serious offenders, excluding sex crimes or drug trafficking. List prepared in coordination with the Justice Ministry, Migration, and Law Office.
Deportation plan details
Returnees face a “stop list” barring re-entry to Cyprus. Implementation accelerates via a presidential meeting in the early new year. Expected to significantly decongest facilities.
Other fixes underway: pilot mobile phone monitoring and infrastructure upgrades.
Buffer zone incident context
Letymbiotis condemned Turkish Cypriot actions in Mammari buffer zone as overt violations disrespecting Cyprus and the UN. Immediate contacts with farmers, UNFICYP, and UN New York followed the mayor’s alert. The upcoming UN Secretary-General report will highlight such disruptions.
Pyla incidents two years ago showed similar contempt. Foreign Ministry stays vigilant with police and communities.
Also read: Migrant smuggler appeal ends with four-year prison sentence
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