Alpha News

Prison Staff Welcome New Prison Announcements as 'Critical First Step'

Published January 8, 2026, 09:36

The Prison Staff Branch of PASYDY welcomes the announcements by the Minister of Justice regarding the construction of new prisons outside urban areas and the strengthening of the Prison Department with new personnel as a 'critical first step'. These measures are considered important as they respond to long-standing requests from staff for improved working conditions and safety. However, PASYDY emphasizes that the situation in prisons is critical due to chronic understaffing, increased risks, and exhausting working conditions. Staff have been significantly burdened for years, operating under pressure. The organization calls for the immediate implementation of the announcements with clear timelines, the immediate promotion of procedures for filling vacant positions, and the substantial involvement of staff representatives in the decision-making process. The Prison Staff Branch states its willingness to cooperate in the modernization and upgrading of the correctional system, but warns that it will closely monitor the implementation of the announcements and will dynamically claim the rights of staff if necessary. It reaffirms its support for improvements for the benefit of all stakeholders: staff, inmates, and society.