By Elissavet Georgiou, 24news
A detainee at Cyprus’s Central Prisons has filed a formal complaint alleging he was beaten by prison guards, prompting an immediate investigation by the Office of the Commissioner for Administration and Human Rights and the police.
According to the complaint, the incident occurred Wednesday morning inside the prison. Officials from the Commissioner’s Office visited the facility soon after receiving the report and confirmed the inmate showed visible signs of violence. The case has also been referred to the police, who are expected to visit the prison to take a statement from the detainee.
The inmate’s attorney, Efstathios Efstathiou, told this outlet that his client “has visible injuries on his face and body,” adding that as of 3 p.m. Wednesday, the inmate had not yet been examined by a prison doctor. He said his client is expected to be seen by a forensic pathologist and later by a doctor outside the correctional facility.
“This is a serious case of violence and abuse of power that must be investigated independently,” Efstathiou said. “No form of violence within a correctional institution can be tolerated. Protecting the physical integrity and human dignity of every prisoner is a fundamental duty of the state.”
Sources at the Commissioner’s Office said a staff member visited the prison immediately after the complaint was filed, interviewed the inmate, and gathered information about the circumstances of the alleged assault. The same sources said the Central Prisons administration claimed “proportionate force” had been used but did not provide details about what led to the incident.
The Commissioner’s Office has requested a detailed report from the prison administration regarding the event and the guards’ statements. Preliminary findings “appear to confirm the allegations of violence,” according to the same sources.
Police said prison officials contacted the Agios Dometios police station to report that a detainee wanted to file an assault complaint. Officers are expected to visit the facility soon to take his statement.
