Cyprus releases minor offenders from prisons under presidential pardon to ease overcrowding
Ahead of the August 15 Assumption of the Virgin Mary holiday, Cyprus has released minor offenders from prison as part of a presidential pardon aimed at relieving severe overcrowding in detention facilities. The justice ministry confirmed the release includes both Cypriots and foreigners who met specific criteria and were approved by the Law Office.
Overcrowding in Cyprus' central prison and police detention cells remains critical, with some cells holding up to four inmates in spaces meant for one, leading to detainees sleeping on floors. Authorities are also taking steps to deport foreign minor offenders whose asylum applications were rejected. Safety, hygiene, and detainee rights continue to be key concerns amid these measures.
The ministry emphasized ongoing efforts to reduce overcrowding comply with legal and international standards, while balancing detainee rights with public safety. Police stations across the island, designed for about 160 detainees, currently house a high percentage of convicted prisoners due to the central prison's overcapacity, intensifying pressure on detention conditions.
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