Minister of Justice meets with Council of Europe Development Bank regarding new prison project

On June 10, 2026, the Cypriot Minister of Justice and Public Order, Costas Fitiris, met with a delegation from the Council of Europe Development Bank to discuss the development of a new prison facility. The delegation included Sylvie Anagnostopoulos, Country Manager for Greece and Cyprus, and Technical Advisor Jerome Costanzo, alongside Ministry of Justice Director General Giorgos Panteli. The discussions centered on the current state of the Central Prisons and the requirements for the proposed correctional infrastructure. Participants reviewed the initial feasibility study, defined technical and operational requirements, and addressed the need for specialized technical and consulting support. Minister Fitiris emphasized that the current facilities are inadequate for modern demands, despite ongoing efforts to reduce overcrowding through alternative sentencing measures. The Council of Europe Development Bank is expected to provide expertise and guidance to assist with the technical preparation of the project. The ministry noted that this construction is considered a vital state project intended to modernize the correctional system, enhance security, and improve detention conditions.