A 23-year-old foreign national serving a sentence at Cyprus’ Central Prisons was found dead in his cell early Saturday, in what authorities believe was a suicide, triggering renewed outrage over conditions inside the country’s prison system.
According to initial information, a fellow inmate alerted guards shortly before 7 a.m., saying the young man was not breathing. Police were called to the scene and have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Inmate Forced Into Slavery by Other Prisoners
Sources familiar with the case say the prisoner had been repeatedly pressured by influential inmates and effectively turned into a personal slave. He was reportedly made to wash clothes, clean cells, and carry out errands for others under constant intimidation, a situation he may not have been able to endure.
The case has fueled public debate over allegations of inmate exploitation in Cyprus prisons, with critics describing the conditions as resembling modern-day slavery behind bars.
Council of Europe Report Casts Long Shadow
The incident comes just days after the release of a highly critical report by the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture, following an unannounced visit to prisons and detention facilities in early April.
The report warned that organized groups of prisoners appear to control entire wings, impose unofficial punishments, and operate as parallel power structures, while state authorities struggle to maintain effective oversight.
From Recent Prison Killing to Rising Suicide Attempts
The suicide follows closely on the heels of last week’s fatal stabbing of an inmate in Wing 4, a case in which a 30-year-old Greek Cypriot prisoner has been charged.
Within the same tense climate, sources also point to an attempted suicide earlier this week in Wing 9, underscoring growing concerns over violence, mental health, and safety inside Cyprus’ correctional facilities.
Leadership Instability and Staff Shortages Deepen Crisis
The situation is further compounded by ongoing instability in prison management. Over the past three years, the Central Prisons have seen repeated leadership changes, including interim appointments and resignations. A new deputy director assumed duties last week, despite existing complaints alleging inmate mistreatment, favoritism, and involvement in disputed disciplinary cases.
Prison guards have meanwhile issued public warnings about extreme conditions, frequent violent incidents, and chronic understaffing. Union representatives say staffing levels have fallen so low that a single guard may be responsible for monitoring 60 to 70 inmates, a ratio they describe as unsustainable and dangerous.
As investigations continue, the death of the young prisoner is intensifying calls for urgent reforms, accountability, and stronger protections against abuse and exploitation within the Cyprus prison system.