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Audit Report Reveals Issues in Cyprus Prisons: Overcrowding, Leave Abuse, and Operational Gaps

Published March 10, 2026, 09:25
Audit Report Reveals Issues in Cyprus Prisons: Overcrowding, Leave Abuse, and Operational Gaps

The Audit Office has released a report on the Central Prisons, revealing serious weaknesses in their operation. The audit revealed overcrowding, limited use of decongestion tools such as electronic monitoring, gaps in operational protocols, and fire safety concerns. Additionally, weaknesses were found in personnel management, attendance recording, and overtime control, with a risk of incorrect payments. Particular concern is raised by repeated exceedances of sick leave limits and inconsistencies between medical certificates and registrations in the GHS. The report highlights the need for substantial reorganization and strengthening of internal controls within the prisons.