Alpha News

Cyprus to Address Prison Overcrowding with Deportations and Releases

Published December 30, 2025, 21:11

The Cypriot government is taking measures to address overcrowding in the Central Prisons, which currently house 1,120 inmates, primarily foreigners and those awaiting trial. President Christodoulides announced that the Deputy Ministry of Migration is considering the voluntary deportation of foreign inmates, as well as the release of approximately 100 foreign nationals not convicted of serious crimes. According to the President, foreign nationals not convicted of serious offenses will be deported or return to their home countries and will be banned from re-entering Cyprus by being placed on a stop list. This decision is being made to reduce the number of inmates and improve conditions in prisons. In parallel, a broader reorganization of the Central Prisons is underway, aiming to address chronic problems plaguing the correctional system. The government is working closely with the Attorney General and the Minister of Justice to assess the situation of inmates and implement appropriate measures. This move is part of an effort to decongest prisons and improve detention conditions, taking into account both the needs of the correctional system and Cyprus's international obligations regarding human rights.