Municipalities protest against new prison site in Agios Sozomenos

On September 17, 2026, the municipalities of South Nicosia-Idali and Latsia-Geri issued a joint statement demanding the immediate cancellation of the government's decision to locate the country's new Central Prisons in the Agios Sozomenos area. While the local authorities acknowledge the necessity for modern correctional infrastructure, they argue that a project of this magnitude, designed to house over 1,000 inmates and hundreds of staff members, was decided without sufficient consultation or scientific study.

The municipalities contend that the chosen location is already environmentally and socially burdened by existing infrastructure, including biological treatment plants, livestock waste processing facilities, quarries, and pig farms. Additionally, they note the presence of a 132 kV EAC power line and cite concerns regarding the area's suitability given its current land use and planned livestock zone provisions. The local authorities are now calling on the state to initiate a meaningful dialogue and explore alternative sites that would be better suited for such a large-scale project.