A 24-hour strike was staged on Friday by prison wardens who gathered outside the Justice Ministry, warning they may shut down Cyprus prisons if the government fails to withdraw disciplinary proceedings against a union representative.
Around 100 members of the Isotita union protested from early morning, carrying banners and drums while demanding dialogue on working conditions and prison management protocols.
Disciplinary case sparks tensions
The prison strike centres on disciplinary proceedings against Giorgos Maltezos, press spokesperson for the union, who publicly raised concerns over overcrowding, understaffing and drug use inside prison facilities.
Isotita board president Prodromos Christofi described the case as “an orchestrated, vengeful and immoral witch-hunt” targeting those who speak publicly about prison conditions.
He said Maltezos had highlighted issues, including crystal methamphetamine use inside prison wings and the risks faced by staff working in such conditions.
According to Christofi, Maltezos was transferred to another office in January after raising concerns in December 2025, with disciplinary proceedings launched shortly afterwards.
Union warns prison could close
Union official Christos Kyriakou warned that further escalation remains possible if demands are ignored.
“We will close it at any cost,” he said, adding that staff are determined to continue action if necessary.
Kyriakou also criticised staffing levels, claiming some shifts operate with one warden supervising between 60 and 70 inmates.
He stressed that prison staff are not opposed to operational reforms but object to decisions being imposed without consultation.
Safety concerns raised by staff
Warden Ioanna Chatzimichail said prison officers have repeatedly contacted management and the Justice Ministry without receiving responses.
She stressed that staff safety remains a major concern, particularly given overcrowding and staffing shortages.
Chatzimichail also warned that the disciplinary proceedings against Maltezos could discourage other union representatives from speaking publicly in the future.
Protest slogans target prison management
Banners displayed during the prison strike included slogans such as:
- “No to arbitrariness”
- “We are a correctional service”
- “One warden for 70 inmates — criminal irresponsibility”
The union said it will hold a general assembly in the coming period to decide on further action, including the possibility of a wider prison shutdown.
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