Fire at Nicosia central prisons high-security wing

On the night of Sunday, July 19, a fire broke out simultaneously in five cells and a corridor of wing 4 at the Nicosia Central Prisons. The high-security wing, housing 10 inmates, was immediately evacuated by prison staff, and no prisoners were injured. Three fire engines from the Pafos Gate and Kaimakli stations brought the fire under control by 10:45 p.m. One prison staff member was transported to the hospital for precautionary treatment due to smoke inhalation, while another received first aid on-site. Authorities are investigating the incident, with the police focusing on four specific inmates and potentially issuing arrest warrants for two suspected instigators. While the Ministry of Justice and police describe the incident as arson, the exact motivation remains under investigation. Reports suggest the unrest may be linked to a refusal by prison management to allow inmates to watch the World Cup final, or frustration regarding the lack of power sockets and facilities in their cells. The police are currently reviewing security footage and conducting interviews to clarify the circumstances.