Prison guard under investigation for alleged sexual harassment in Nicosia central prison

Police are investigating a sexual harassment complaint filed by an inmate against a prison guard at the Central Prisons in Nicosia. The investigation is being conducted by the Nicosia Criminal Investigation Department (TAE), which visited the facility on September 4, 2026, to take an official statement from the complainant in the presence of her legal representatives.

According to reports, the guard claims the accusation is an act of retaliation. He had previously reported the inmate to prison management for stating she would not return from a 24-hour leave; her leave was subsequently revoked after she gathered her personal belongings. The guard involved had previously faced disciplinary scrutiny regarding the escape of life-sentenced inmate Theodoros Theofanous. The prison has recently been the site of multiple violent incidents, including two assaults on guards by inmates.

Authorities are currently examining the timeline of events and the nature of the communication between the parties involved to verify the claims. The investigation remains ongoing as part of broader concerns regarding safety and conduct within the correctional facility.