Tirynthos prison inmate transferred to hospital without security escort

A major security breach occurred at the Tirynthos Rural Prison on Saturday, September 27, when a Turkish prisoner linked to organized crime was transported to Argos Hospital without an escort. Following a fainting spell inside the facility, prison staff summoned an EKAB ambulance to transport the inmate for medical attention.

Contrary to established safety protocols, the ambulance departed with the high-risk prisoner without the required presence of armed police or correctional officers. The ambulance crew was reportedly unaware of the inmate's criminal background. Prison authorities realized the error ten minutes after the ambulance had left, prompting an emergency response involving a service vehicle and correctional staff to intercept the ambulance at the hospital and return the prisoner to the facility.

The incident has raised serious questions regarding prisoner transfer protocols in Greece. Concurrently, the Nigrita Prison Employees Union has issued a warning regarding systemic issues, citing staff shortages and overcrowding, and calling for immediate state intervention to prevent further security failures.