Cyprus Central Prison: 29 new correctional officers following attacks and sexual harassment allegation
Fifteen new correctional officers have been hired and a further 14 are in training following two attacks in three days and an allegation of sexual harassment at Cyprus Central Prison.
Central Prison: New recruitment of correctional officers following serious incidents
Fifteen new correctional officers have already been hired and a further 14 are in the recruitment process, as the Ministry of Justice seeks to address staffing shortages at Cyprus Central Prison. The measure comes following two attacks on correctional officers within three days and an allegation by a female inmate of sexual harassment by a guard.
According to Cyprus Mail, the ministry stated on Friday that it is aware of the incidents reported by the prison and that "all matters are under investigation". The 14 newly hired staff will undergo two months of training, whilst the ministry is also planning an enhanced training programme with the participation of the University of Cyprus.
Justice Minister Costas Fityris visited Cyprus Central Prison on Wednesday to assess the conditions of its operations.
Two attacks in three days
On Thursday, a guard in wing 4 was attacked by an inmate and suffered abrasions. According to information, the inmate subsequently received a beating in what was described as retaliation.
This incident followed, three days earlier, another attack by an inmate on a correctional officer. The guard filed a report with the police and the inmate was transferred to wing 4. Questions have been raised regarding possible disciplinary negligence: according to reports, the inmate was not placed in isolation for several days, as provided for under prison regulations.
Allegation of sexual harassment
Separately, police are investigating an allegation by a female inmate who accused a correctional officer of sexual harassment. According to information, the woman named the guard and stated to prison management that she had been subjected to inappropriate behaviour for at least two weeks. She subsequently requested police intervention and informed her solicitors.
The accused guard denies the allegations and claims that the complaint was made out of malice, following the revocation of the inmate's temporary release permit. The woman had been granted a 24-hour permit whilst wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet. According to reports, the guard informed management that the inmate was planning an escape, resulting in the revocation of her permit and her return to closed imprisonment. The police are expected to receive a statement from the inmate as part of the investigation.
Alternative sentences for decongestion
In parallel, the ministry is examining alternative sentences for certain categories of inmates. The focus is on those convicted of minor financial offences, for which arrangements are being investigated that would allow the avoidance or reduction of time in custody — a measure aimed at addressing overcrowding and relieving staff.
Source: Cyprus Mail