Cyprus government relocates new prison project from Mathiatis to Agios Sozomenos due to cost and opposition
Cyprus authorities have abandoned plans to build a new prison in Mathiatis and will instead construct the facility on state land in Agios Sozomenos, near Nicosia. The decision, made by the Justice and Public Order Ministry, was driven by high costs and local opposition to the original site. The move aims to expedite the project and reduce expenses since Agios Sozomenos already has necessary infrastructure in place.
Cyprus’s sole prison, the Central Prison in Agios Andreas, is severely overcrowded, operating at 227.6% capacity, the highest rate in the European Union. The facility has faced criticism for poor living conditions, inter-prisoner violence, and staff shortages. Activists in Mathiatis had opposed the prison project, citing environmental and archaeological concerns, which contributed to delays.
Agios Sozomenos is a deserted village near the buffer zone, known for its historical sites including Bronze Age ruins and Byzantine chapels. The government confirms that the site evaluation took into account technical, economic, and time-related factors, and assures that the relocation will not delay the construction of a modern, secure, and functional correctional facility.
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