AKEL party denounces ongoing security failures at Central Prisons

On August 6, 2026, the political party AKEL issued a statement highlighting a critical situation within the Central Prisons of Cyprus. Following recent reports from trade unionists, the party denounced systemic failures, including the illicit use and distribution of drugs, mobile phone smuggling, cases of sexual violence, and alcohol sales. AKEL also alleged that these devices have been used to coordinate criminal activities, including contract assaults and stabbings from within the facility.

AKEL criticized the current Christodoulides administration, as well as previous leadership under Ionas Nicolaou and Anna Aristotelous, for what they describe as long-standing negligence. The party characterized the conditions as reflective of a third-world prison system, arguing that the underworld continues to exert control due to administrative inaction.

In response to these developments, AKEL has formally called upon the Minister of Justice and the prison management to implement immediate corrective measures to restore safety and proper governance. The situation remains a subject of intense political debate as authorities face mounting pressure to reform the correctional system.