# Cyprus justice and prison system reform > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cyprus-justice-and-prison-system-reform > Updated: 2026-10-02T12:44:32.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. 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. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-02: Cyprus Committee calls for urgent reform of Central Prisons Cyprus's Committee on Law, Justice and Public Order is calling for urgent prison reforms to tackle overcrowding, drug use, and mobile phone issues while seeking to modernize facilities by 2026. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cyprus-committee-calls-for-urgent-reform-of-central-prisons ### 2026-09-08: Cyprus to build new prison and implement violence prevention platform Cyprus Justice Minister Konstantinos Fitiris announced plans for a new prison within five years and the rollout of the ‘Red Flag’ platform to combat gender-based violence. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cyprus-to-build-new-prison-and-implement-violence-prevention-platform --- Cite as: Cyprus justice and prison system reform. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cyprus-justice-and-prison-system-reform