Two Nicosia municipalities, Dali and Latsia-Yeri, have called for the immediate revocation of the government’s decision to locate the new central prisons in Ayios Sozomenos. They argue that the site was chosen without adequate consultation and call for a comprehensive, scientifically documented study before proceeding with a project of this scale. The municipalities emphasize that the area already hosts significant industrial and agricultural activities, including livestock waste treatment and pig farms, and lies within land designated for livestock farming under a national sector rebuilding plan.

The municipalities, representing around 60,000 residents, stress that local authorities should be involved in decisions with such wide-reaching consequences. They urge the government to halt further action and properly consult affected communities while exploring alternative sites. This follows the justice ministry’s announcement to drop previous plans for Mathiatis in favor of Ayios Sozomenos due to lower cost and construction time. The decision had drawn opposition previously due to environmental and cultural concerns at Mathiatis.

Ayios Sozomenos is an abandoned village near the Green Line with historical ruins, making the decision contentious in the local community. Construction of the €300 million facility is expected to start next year, designed to house 1,500 inmates upon completion within five years.