Plans for new central prison in Agios Sozomenos spark local opposition

The Cypriot Ministry of Justice has selected the Agios Sozomenos area as the site for a new central prison, a decision that has triggered significant opposition from the municipalities of South Nicosia-Idalio and Latsia-Geri. Minister of Justice Kostas Fytiris announced that the proposed facility will accommodate 1,750 convicted inmates, while pre-trial detainees will remain at the current Nicosia site to facilitate court attendance. The project aims to function as a self-sufficient 'small society,' featuring vocational workshops, therapy programs, a small hospital, and drug rehabilitation services.

Local mayors argue that the chosen site, spanning over 3 million square meters, was previously designated for other land-use purposes and is located in an already burdened area containing livestock farms and biological treatment tanks. They contend that the Ministry made the decision without prior consultation or scientific impact studies. In response, Minister Fytiris maintains that the site is located seven kilometers from residential areas and will not cause noise or nuisance. He asserts that the development will upgrade the region and that the project will proceed as planned.

While the government remains firm on the location, the Minister of Justice has expressed willingness to meet with local officials to discuss the master plan and consider potential adjustments that would not negatively impact residents' daily lives. He is currently preparing an official response to the municipalities, emphasizing the necessity of the modern facility to address overcrowding in the current system, which currently houses roughly 1,200 inmates in a space designed for 650–700.