Prisoners released early as part of RoC 60th anniversary

Fourteen prisoners have been released early after President Nicos Anastasiades moved to reduce the sentence of a number of prisoners to mark the 60^th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus, the Central Prisons announced Wednesday.

Anastasiades’ move, that came after the consent of the Attorney-General and the Assistant Attorney-General was secured, involved the reduction of the sentence of 143 prisoners – 72 Cypriots and 71 foreigners – by a quarter, leading to the early release of five Cypriots and nine foreigners.

The Central Prisons said that criteria in place exclude those convicted of murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, drug trafficking, sexual offenses and offenses against children from the sentence reduction.

Also exempted are prisoners whose sentence the Attorney-General has appealed, as well as those who had their sentence reduced previously.

The Prisons said early releases have a positive effect on prisoners and society, and contribute to a smoother reintegration and connection with society, as well as to the rehabilitation of prisoners.

Early releases also contribute to a decongestion of the Prisons, especially against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic.