Cyprus justice and prison system reform

Cyprus is pursuing reforms to its justice and correctional systems to address overcrowding and modernize infrastructure. The Minister of Justice and Public Order announced plans to construct a new correctional facility within five years to replace the aging Central Prisons, which currently house approximately 1,200 inmates despite a capacity of 800.

In addition to infrastructure, the government is implementing the ‘Red Flag’ platform to coordinate state responses to gender-based violence and harassment. Efforts are also underway to combat organized crime through a proposed specialized unit.

The Cyprus Committee on Law, Justice and Public Order has reinforced the need for these reforms following inspections of current facilities. The Committee identified critical issues including the presence of drugs and mobile phones within prisons, as well as an increase in inmates convicted of sexual abuse and drug-related offenses. To mitigate overcrowding, officials are discussing the use of electronic monitoring and the strengthening of rehabilitation programs. The Committee aims to ensure that new correctional centers meet modern European and international standards.