Isotita union pledges support to new director of central prisons

The ISOTITA trade union has officially welcomed Giorgos Ioannou as the new Director of the Central Prisons in Cyprus. Following his appointment on November 1, 2026, the union's Prison Guards Sector Council issued a statement pledging full support and cooperation to the new administration to address the systemic challenges facing the facility.

The union emphasized that priority must be placed on the safety of both guards and inmates. While acknowledging past disagreements with Minister of Justice Costas Phytiris, ISOTITA expressed a willingness to collaborate with his ministry to achieve necessary reforms. The organization further stated that the construction of new prison facilities is a mandatory path for modernization.

ISOTITA leaders stressed that while they are prepared to act as partners, the department requires concrete actions to effectively turn a new page. The union has called for substantial interventions and modernization of the correctional system, signaling that their support is contingent upon clear, practical improvements to the current infrastructure and operations.