Newsroom
The long-standing issue of inmates using mobile phones inside Cyprus’ Central Prisons is now being decisively addressed, according to Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis.
Letymbiotis confirmed that the Ministry of Justice and Public Order is already testing a new system designed to detect and deactivate mobile devices within prison facilities. The system is in its pilot phase and will become fully operational later in November, with completion expected by early 2026.
“With planning, strategy, and consistency, we are definitively resolving a problem that remained unsolved for more than a decade, the illegal use of mobile phones in the Central Prisons,” Letymbiotis said. “An issue pending since 2015, which has caused serious security and legality concerns, is now being addressed decisively, with modern means and coordinated actions.”
He described the initiative as “a technically demanding project, which was methodically designed by the current Government and is being implemented with the cooperation of many services.”
According to Letymbiotis, the introduction of this system signals “the end of an unacceptable situation that allowed prisoners to communicate with criminal networks outside the prisons, undermining the security and credibility of the correctional system.”
“With today’s development, the State demonstrates in practice that it no longer tolerates gray areas or parallel centers of power,” he added.
The spokesperson also noted that a pending amendment to the Prisons Law will make it a criminal offense for inmates, visitors, or staff to possess or use mobile phones, a measure that “institutionally strengthens the overall effort.”
“Together with the new system and the legislation on mobile phone identification, a coherent security policy is being established that protects public order and citizens,” Letymbiotis said. “The message is clear: the rule of law functions, is enforced, and delivers results. With planning and persistence, even the most difficult and long-standing problems can be solved for the benefit of society and everyone’s safety.”
