Alpha News

Recidivism Concerns: Cyprus Prisons Refill Quickly After Prisoner Releases

Published February 12, 2026, 12:35

Justice Minister Kosta Phytis stated that the Central Prisons, after the release or pardon of approximately 200 convicts before Christmas, refilled within a month. According to the Minister, this reflects an intensification of police operations and arrests for various crimes, aiming to restore citizen security. Mr. Phytis emphasized that crime has increased globally, and criminal organizations are operating in more “legitimate” ways, requiring joint efforts from the Police, the Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Unit (MOKAS) and other services to combat them. Furthermore, he referred to the need to improve conditions in the Central Prisons, such as installing a mobile phone signal jamming system, which is expected to be ready in 2-3 months. The capacity of the new prisons, which will reach approximately 1250 places, only for convicted prisoners, was also discussed, as well as the proposed use of the modern wings of the Central Prisons for the temporary housing of the accused.