Isotita union alleges retaliation against prison guard representative

The Isotita union has formally requested the termination of disciplinary proceedings against Georgios Maltezos, the Vice President and spokesperson of the Prison Guards' Branch Council. Isotita claims these proceedings are acts of retaliation following Maltezos's public criticism regarding prison overcrowding, drug trafficking, and understaffing. The union notes that these issues were corroborated by the Nicosia Permanent Assize Court and a CPT report. Following his public comments, Maltezos was transferred to work under the leadership of the president of a rival union, an individual currently involved in a separate corruption complaint filed by Isotita. The union alleges that the refusal to return Maltezos to his original post constitutes an attempt to silence an independent voice. On May 28, 2026, Isotita president Prodromos Christofi filed formal complaints with the Attorney General, the Chief of Police, the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority, and the Minister of Labor. The complaints allege potential criminal offenses by Acting Prison Director Maria Siali, Minister of Justice Costas Fytiris, and officials of the PASYDY union. The Ministry of Justice has emphasized its commitment to legality, procedural independence, and accountability, though the union maintains these actions contradict such principles.