European Committee for the Prevention of Torture reviews Cyprus prisons and immigration centers

The Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) has conducted recent inspections of the Central Prisons in Cyprus and the Pournara First Reception Center. CPT President Alan Mitchell expressed concern regarding prison overcrowding and the prolonged detention of individuals in police cells. Maria Stylianou-Lottidou, the Commissioner for Administration and Protection of Human Rights, noted significant improvements at Pournara, where the current population stands at 143 people, compared to over 2,200 in 2022. However, concerns persist regarding the administrative detention of third-country nationals for up to six months. In the prison sector, Minister Costas Fytiris is working to address systemic issues, including plans to recruit 90 new guards and expand electronic monitoring. Reports suggest ongoing tensions within the prisons, including allegations of violence and influence by certain inmates, leading to an extraordinary inspection visit by the CPT. Authorities are also evaluating the repurposing of the Menoyia detention center to house minors and specific categories of prisoners.