Detention centers in Cyprus are overcrowded. In Limassol, there are 90 people for 34 places.

Overcrowded detention centers in Cyprus are creating increasing problems for detainees and the police officers guarding them. According to reports published on November 5th, Limassol is holding approximately 90 people in rooms designed for 34. Some detainees are being forced to sleep on the floor due to a lack of beds.

Police unions are warning of a combination of overcrowding and understaffing. They are demanding the acceleration of work in Menogia and the development of electronic monitoring for suitably qualified individuals awaiting trial. The problem is not limited to one city.

Cyprus Detention Centers Overcrowded - Latest Reports

In Limassol, the number of people held was expected to increase from around 60 to 90 within a week. This represents an increase of half and a staffing equivalent to around 265% of declared capacity facilities.

Among the inmates are believed to be around 20 individuals who have already been convicted and are expected to serve their sentences at Nicosia Central Prison. The remaining approximately 70 individuals have not yet been convicted and are in custody pending criminal proceedings.

Reports suggest that the overload has resulted in tensions between inmates, sanitary problems, and difficulties in providing adequate living conditions. Courthouse convoys are also a further burden—some days, there are reportedly as many as 25 of them.

National data require further clarification

The report also mentions over 260 people at approximately 160 locations nationwide. The figures for the five locations add up to approximately 330 people.

It is not known whether all values refer to the same moment and to the same range of facilities. Therefore, it is not possible to calculate a reliable, up-to-date overcrowding rate for the whole of Cyprus based on them.

However, the problem had been confirmed earlier. During the October parliamentary debate, the Minister of Justice spoke of staffing police detention centers at 180% of their capacity. This is earlier information, not a confirmation of the November figures.

The police admitted that there was a lack of space

In a statement dated August 11, the police confirmed increased pressure on detention places and the occurrence of overcrowding in some facilities.

She cited, among other things, subsequent arrests, court arrest warrants, and convictions. She also assured them of cooperation with the relevant institutions and the obligation to respect the rights and dignity of persons deprived of their liberty.

This was a statement regarding the situation at the time. It should not be considered a response to all the allegations presented in the latest material.

Menology and electronic monitoring among the proposed solutions

Nikos Loizides, head of the Isotita police union, warns that overcrowding combined with a shortage of officers increases safety risks. He is particularly concerned about the possibility of evacuation in the event of a fire.

The trade unionist calls for the preparation of places in Menogia as soon as possible and the use of electronic monitoring for people awaiting trial who could be covered by such a solution.

During the October parliamentary debate, information was provided about the work being carried out at Menogia and the planned use of the facility to process inmates being transported to court. A return to electronic monitoring was also presented as a plan. This does not mean that these solutions have already alleviated the burden on police cells.

Building a new prison is a multi-year undertaking. Current problems with police detention facilities require action to ensure the safety of inmates and officers even before the new complex is built.