A call for immediate intervention at prisons has been issued by the President of the Prison Officers’ Branch Council, Giorgos Maltezos, who warned that staff shortages and overcrowding have pushed the situation beyond control.
In a statement, Maltezos claimed that the conditions have contributed to incidents of violence, clashes between inmates and drug trafficking inside the facilities.
He also criticised the response from the Ministry of Justice and Public Order, claiming that officials had dismissed previous written warnings from prison officers.
Recent clashes raise concerns
Maltezos referred to incidents on 5 August, when two simultaneous clashes reportedly took place in separate prison wings.
According to his statement, one incident occurred in Wing 5, where an inmate was injured, while another took place in Wing 2B. He said prison authorities should have a full record of the incidents in official logs.
The prison officers’ representative argued that the events were not an isolated occurrence but part of a wider pattern of incidents.
Calls for measures and improved conditions
Maltezos referred to previous incidents, including allegations of sexual assault involving an inmate in Wing 5 in September 2025, as well as incidents in July 2026 involving sharp objects, injuries and the seizure of improvised weapons.
He also cited concerns over a separate incident in a high-security wing, where a colleague was taken to hospital following smoke inhalation.
The statement also referred to findings by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture, which has repeatedly raised concerns about staffing levels and the ability of personnel to ensure safety inside prison wings.
Seven-day deadline for response
The Prison Officers’ Branch Council said it has submitted written demands, including full protection against biological risks, reports to relevant authorities, immediate decongestion measures and improved working conditions.
Maltezos called on the authorities to address the problems facing frontline prison staff before further incidents occur.
The Ministry of Justice and Public Order has not issued a response to the statement at the time of publication.
Also read: Prison guard exposed to blood after fight at Central Prison
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