Cyprus Justice Minister vowed to fight mobile phones in prisons

Nicosia — Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis stated on Friday that mobile phones remain a persistent problem in Cyprus’s central prisons, calling it a “chronic ailment.”

On state radio, Hartsiotis announced that by the end of 2025 the authorities will implement a two-phase plan to install a system that will detect and block unauthorized mobile devices inside prison facilities.

He also reported on the preparation of a fast-tracked bill, currently under legal review, which provides for criminal liability for possession or use of a mobile phone by inmates or prison staff.

The bill envisages penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment.

For residents of Cyprus, this means a likely tightening of control within the penitentiary system and the possibility of criminal prosecution for those found possessing or using mobile phones in prisons.