Lawyer addresses case of transgender inmate
Evanthia Constantinou, the lawyer representing a transgender woman currently incarcerated in Cyprus’ Central Prisons, appeared on “Mesimeri kai Kati” to discuss her client’s request to be transferred to the women’s wing.
Constantinou explained that her client has legally affirmed her gender and is registered as female in official records. She is serving a six-year prison sentence following her conviction on January 27, 2026.
Institutional challenges in prison system
The lawyer highlighted that prisons, both in Cyprus and internationally, face serious challenges when accommodating inmates with specific vulnerabilities. She stated that cases involving transgender prisoners underscore the need for a clear, specialised, and legally structured framework to protect their rights.
Currently, the inmate is housed in a separate area within the male wing. Constantinou noted that while this may appear to be a protective measure, it can result in conditions close to effective isolation. She emphasised that this temporary arrangement lacks defined procedures and timelines, and is not a long-term solution.
Need for legislative and structural reform
“This is a special case. There are not many such cases. There is another inmate, who is housed in a different section and not within the main prison. However, the current prison section, in its present form, is not institutionally prepared to adequately receive and manage transgender inmates”, Constantinou stated.
The ongoing evaluation of the situation by authorities aims to develop a permanent arrangement that addresses safety, rights, and humane treatment.
Constantinou stressed that the issue is not about social acceptance or ideological debate, but about the state’s institutional readiness. Cyprus currently does not have a comprehensive legal or correctional framework for managing transgender prisoners.
Current status of the inmate
The transgender prisoner is temporarily placed in a separate area within the male wing to ensure protection, but this arrangement may lead to isolation with potential psychological impact. Constantinou reiterated that a permanent, regulated solution has yet to be established, and there is no clear timeline for when a transfer to the women’s wing could occur.
Also read: Transgender inmate requests move to women’s wing
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