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Cyprus Plans New 1,250-Capacity Prison

Published February 9, 2026, 17:17
Cyprus Plans New 1,250-Capacity Prison

The Cypriot Ministry of Justice is planning the construction of a new 1,250-capacity prison outside urban areas within the next five years. Justice Minister Kostas Fytiris emphasized the need for immediate commencement of the project to avoid delays similar to those experienced with the Coast Guard. The new prison will be built on 500,000 square meters of state land, with strict security measures, including a "dead zone" around the facilities. The prison will include three types of facilities: a high-security closed prison for inmates with serious offenses, a semi-open prison for lower-risk inmates with controlled freedom, and an open prison for productive activity and rehabilitation. The exact location of the new prison will be announced after consultation with local communities, aiming to avoid reactions and highlight potential benefits for the area. The Minister acknowledged the problems of existing prisons, such as limited capacity, high operating costs, and inadequate rehabilitation opportunities. Simultaneously, a competition for the recruitment of 90 prison guards and a Prison Director has been announced, as well as the implementation of modern security technology. During the transitional period, until the completion of the new prison, measures will be taken to improve the existing situation, while the decongestion of prisons will continue through the implementation of existing measures. This plan aims to create a modern and effective prison system in Cyprus.