On the occasion of the new Justice Minister Kostas Fytiris’s visit, the Press Spokesperson of the Prison Guards Branch of the “Isotita” trade union, Giorgos Maltezos, presented a detailed overview of the problems facing Cyprus’s correctional system. He underlined the critical situation for both prisoners and staff.
Mr Maltezos stressed that the issues recorded in official reports are not new to professionals in the field. “Of course we knew them and mentioned them in all our announcements,” he noted, pointing out that conditions in detention centres are “extreme” and “continuously worsening”. He spoke of systematic violence and clashes, as well as the difficulty in managing staff and infrastructure.
Outdated infrastructure and risks
The spokesperson underlined that the buildings of correctional institutions have exceeded their lifecycle and many services remain manual, creating serious risks. He also emphasised that the role of prison guards is rehabilitative, not punitive, aiming at prisoners’ reintegration into society. This makes unimpeded access for independent authorities essential for oversight and monitoring.
Severe understaffing
On understaffing, Mr Maltezos stated that the ratio stands at approximately one prison guard for 60–70 prisoners, with 87 positions remaining vacant out of the total 490 planned employees. Despite efforts to increase salaries, with basic pay around €1,200 and reaching up to €1,500 with allowances, the problem remains primarily structural rather than financial. Staff training also remains inadequate, despite the creation of a special school that has not been utilised effectively.
Need for new prison
Regarding the new correctional institution, Mr Maltezos underlined its necessity to address the system’s problems radically. He noted that corruption exists in some cases, as in any professional field, but honest prison guards remain the true pillars of the correctional system.
Mr Maltezos concluded by sending a message to the new Justice Minister, calling on him to address the problems radically and proceed with substantial reforms to ensure safety, prisoner dignity and staff protection. The situation, as he underlined, cannot continue under the existing system, while waiting for solutions may lead to even more serious incidents in the future.
Featured photo: Cyprus Mail
Also read: CPT report reveals overcrowding and poor conditions in prisons
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