New Central Prisons at Ayios Sozomenos to Avoid Archaeological Sites, Ministry Confirms
The planned central prisons at Ayios Sozomenos will be located away from the village’s archaeological remains, the Justice Ministry assured following a meeting with the Deputy Culture Minister. Emphasis has been placed on protecting and promoting the area's historical and archaeological character, with prison infrastructure confined to the northern sector of the state plot.
The €300 million facility is designed to house approximately 1,500 inmates, with construction expected to start next year and be completed within five years. This marks a shift from the earlier plan to build in Mathiatis, a location rejected due to cost and infrastructure concerns, as Ayios Sozomenos already has essential utilities in place.
Despite assurances, the decision has faced opposition from local municipalities and environmental groups, citing concerns over industrial and agricultural impacts and the site's location within the Natura 2000 protected network. The abandoned village of Ayios Sozomenos is notable for its Byzantine cave chapel and medieval church remains, underscoring the sensitivity of the area's heritage.
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