Defendant reports prison abuse in Limassol arson case

A 20-year-old Syrian national, currently remanded in custody at Central Prison for charges related to arson and participation in a criminal organization, has formally complained to the Limassol Criminal Court about his safety. The defendant alleges that he has been assaulted seven times by fellow inmates, claiming that some prisoners possess knives and that he is not adequately protected by guards.

The defendant requested an immediate transfer to a different prison wing or to be released from custody. Two other individuals are charged in the same case, including one inmate who is already serving a sentence for previous crimes. During the hearing, the court postponed the trial proceedings to mid-September because none of the three defendants were represented by legal counsel. The prosecution has maintained that all three individuals should remain in detention, noting that the original committal orders have not been challenged in court.

The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the conditions at the Central Prison, as the defendant explicitly stated that law enforcement authorities are unable to guarantee the safety of inmates facing hostility from others within the facility. The court will revisit the matter during the next scheduled hearing in September.