Justice Ministry dismisses prison guard and union official Giorgos Maltezos

On July 31, 2026, the Ministry of Justice and Public Order of Cyprus officially dismissed Giorgos Maltezos, an indefinite-contract prison guard who also served as the vice president and press secretary of the Isotita union. The dismissal followed the completion of a disciplinary investigation, which the Ministry stated found repeated non-compliance with official instructions and systematic unauthorized absences that hindered prison operations and shift scheduling. The Ministry characterized his actions as a serious breach of official duties.

In response, the Isotita union described the dismissal as "manifestly illegal" and retaliatory, linking the action to Maltezos’ outspoken criticism of prison conditions and his union activities. The union has announced plans for legal action, including potential proceedings in the Supreme Court to seek criminal prosecution against Ministry and prison leadership. The dismissal occurred amid a broader ongoing dispute between the union and the government, which includes a formal complaint previously lodged by the union with the European Committee of Social Rights regarding the treatment of staff and prison management practices.