Returns to prison in Cyprus. The rate reached 43.69 percent.

The re-incarceration rate among Greek Cypriots included in Ministry of Justice data reached 43.69% in 2026, according to data covering the period up to August. This is the highest figure in the comparison presented for 2021-2026. The previous year, it was 33.73%.

The Ministry points out that chronic overcrowding at Nicosia Central Prison is hampering rehabilitation efforts. Lack of space and staff limits the ability to work individually with inmates. Meanwhile, construction of a new facility remains in the preparation phase, with the government aiming to begin work by the end of 2027.

Recidivism in Cyprus. What does the data show?

The ministry provided the information in response to a parliamentary question from MP Andreas Konstantinou concerning Greek Cypriots who were convicted of a crime again after being released from Central Prison.

In the study, the return-to-prison rate dropped from 40.9% in 2021 to 28.3% in 2023. It then increased again.

Data for 2026 does not cover the entire year. Nor should they be interpreted as indicating that 43.69% of all inmates in Cyprus return to prison. The data focuses on a specific group, and without a full description of the methodology, it is impossible to determine the time from release to reconviction.

Returns to prison: ministry data

2021

40,90%

2022

38,58%

2023

28,30%

2024

31,82%

2025

33,73%

2026 - until August

43,69%

The breakdown covers Greek Cypriots covered by the ministry's response. The 2026 figure covers a partial year and does not represent all those imprisoned on the island.

Overcrowding makes it difficult to prepare for life in freedom

The Ministry emphasizes the importance of social and professional reintegration of prisoners. At the same time, it acknowledges that overcrowding hinders the implementation of individual programs.

The problem goes beyond cell space. A larger prison population means greater staff workloads and less access to education, therapy, and vocational training.

Some people also remain in police detention facilities for extended periods. The CPT noted that facilities suitable for stays measured in days were used to hold people for many months.

Four people in a cell smaller than six square meters

The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture, or CPT, published on December 10, 2025, a report on the visit carried out in April of the same year.

In the Central Prison it was found that in cells with an area of less than six square meters There were up to four people staying there. Two of them had to sleep on mattresses on the floor.

Staff shortages also hampered access to toilets at night. Inmates urinated in bottles and sometimes defecated in bags. The committee found this practice degrading.

The report also highlighted inter-prisoner violence, inadequate medical care, and the need for a comprehensive suicide prevention policy. Juveniles and young prisoners were held in inadequate conditions, with limited access to education and activities.

At the same time, the CPT recorded fewer allegations of physical abuse by staff than during the 2023 visit.

The new prison is still in the preparation phase.

The government is considering building a new prison in the area Agios SozomenosMathiatis was previously preferred, but the cost of the necessary infrastructure proved to be a problem.

Justice Minister Kostas Fitiris announced that the final decision will be made after the preparation of a master plan and appropriate studies. The proposed location has sparked opposition from some local governments, who are demanding participation in consultations.

The goal is to start work by the end of 2027, not to complete the prison by that date. The announcement does not mean a quick solution to the problems of the current facility.

The new director will take up his position in November.

From November 2, 2026 Giorgos Ioannou is to take over as director of the Central Prison. He is a retired National Guard officer and former Cypriot military attaché to the United States.

The new management will have to address overcrowding, staff shortages, and inmate safety. Ensuring the proper environment for rehabilitation programs will also remain a key task.

A larger building could increase capacity. However, reducing returns to prison also requires addiction management, education, professional qualifications, and post-release preparation. The presented indicators alone do not determine the contribution of each of these factors to subsequent convictions.

Sources: Ministry of Justice, Philenews, Council of Europe, Cyprus Mail, CyBC.