The government is reviewing plans that should come into implementation by early 2024 aiming to double the cell capacity of Cyprus’ overcrowded Nicosia Central Prison, Philenews reports.
Specifically, the plans aim to increase the cell capacity to accommodate around 1,200 inmates from 620 which is the situation today.
This will be achieved by, primarily, converting the open prison into a closed one and, secondly, by constructing an additional wing.
The plans – as insiders told Philenews – are the following:
—Conversion of the open prison into a closed one
—Conversion of the Centre for the Out-of-Prison Employment of Prisoners into an open prison
—Establishment of a new Extracurricular Employment Centre
—Construction of two new metal security supervision towers
—New fencing around the perimeter of the open prison and the newly-constructed closed prison complexes.
—New single closed-circuit television (CCTV) system to cover all areas of the Central Prison
—Purchase of new electronic security systems
—Purchase of machinery and equipment for the needs of the wings
—Reinforcement of physical security measures in perimeter security zones.
—Construction of shelters in the yard of the new open prison
The first buildings of the Prison’s facilities were erected around 1894 and had an initial capacity of only 350 prisoners.
Extensive work has been carried out over the years to improve the infrastructure and increase capacity so that these meet minimum European and international standards.
