Justice and Public Order Minister Kostas Fytiris conducted his fourth visit to Central Prisons within less than a month, emphasizing on-site updates, direct contact with administration and staff, and resolving pressing correctional system issues.
He met all off-duty personnel and extended New Year wishes during a modest vasilopita cutting ceremony.
Speech to prison staff
Addressing staff, Fytiris hailed prison guards as the key success factor for the correctional system, provided they maintain unified spirit, regulatory commitment, and ensure humane, dignified conditions for inmates within the institution’s rehabilitative role.
A truly successful prison reintegrates improved ex-inmates into society upon release, this criterion defines correctional policy effectiveness. He stressed unwavering state and ministry support, declaring society demands tangible results over mere diagnoses or intentions.
Announced measures
Fytiris outlined concrete steps:
- 90 new guard positions advertised this month, with mandatory prior training.
- Prison Guard School upgraded and reopened.
- Director position tendered.
- Site secured outside urban fabric for new 21st-century-standard prison; architectural design, tendering, construction to commence soonest – current Central Prison expansion suspended.
- Automated daily merit evaluation system institutionalized by first half 2026 for equitable, merit-based staff assessment with objective, transparent criteria.
- Ongoing prison decongestation via gradual reduction of light-sentence inmates using approved procedures in coordination with Law Office.
- Independent electronic camera monitoring system installed.
- Enhanced nursing and psychosocial support for inmates and staff.
- Staff rotation system introduced at regular intervals.
Rehabilitation focus
Fytiris reiterated a modern correctional system’s primary goal transcends mere incarceration: prioritize inmate reintegration and public safety enhancement. He affirmed regular future visits to Central Prisons.
Also read: 50% foreigners in prisons, deportations start to fight overcrowding
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