Council of Europe reports severe prison overcrowding in Cyprus

According to the Council of Europe’s SPACE I 2025 report published on Tuesday, Cyprus is facing critical prison overcrowding. As of January 31, 2025, the country recorded 117 inmates per 100 available places, ranking it among the nine European systems with the highest density. While Cyprus faces significant capacity issues, its overall incarceration rate of 110 prisoners per 100,000 inhabitants remains below the European average. The report indicates that 54% of the prison population in Cyprus consists of non-nationals, which is one of the highest percentages in Europe. Furthermore, the average age of inmates in the country is 35, making it one of the youngest prison populations in the region. Across Europe, 14 prison systems are currently operating above their official capacity, with the continent-wide average occupancy rising to 95.2 inmates per 100 places in 2025. Additionally, 27% of inmates in Cyprus are currently held on remand, according to the data provided.