Security crisis reported at Nicosia Central Prisons

The ISOTITA prison officers’ union has reported a severe security crisis at Nicosia Central Prisons, citing chronic understaffing, overcrowding, drug trafficking, and escalating violence. On August 5, 2026, simultaneous clashes occurred in wings 5 and 2B, resulting in an inmate injury. This follows a string of incidents including a stabbing in July 2026 that hospitalized a staff member for smoke inhalation, a June 2026 violent encounter involving improvised weapons, and a rape allegation from September 2025 that remains under investigation.

Union representatives also highlighted an incident involving a guard who was exposed to a detainee’s blood while intervening in a fight. The guard is currently undergoing months of medical monitoring for bloodborne diseases. Meanwhile, the union is embroiled in a dispute with Justice Minister Costas Fitiris, following the dismissal of vice president Giorgos Maltezos. The union claims the firing was retaliatory, whereas the Ministry maintains it was a disciplinary action related to non-compliance with workplace regulations.

The prison management is under fire for failing to ensure safety, while the Ministry of Justice has called for cooperation rather than public confrontation. The union continues to cite reports from the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture as evidence of structural failures within the facility.