Mennoge Center temporarily converted into an adult prison

The authorities of the Republic of Cyprus have decided to temporarily use the Mennoge Center as a prison for adult inmates. According to a statement by Justice Ministry spokesperson Fitiris to Phileleftheros newspaper, this decision is due to the small number of juvenile offenders—currently between 15 and 20 individuals.

He noted that using a large facility designed for 128 places exclusively for minors was considered inefficient. Originally, the Mennoge facility was intended for illegal migrants and juvenile offenders, but it will now temporarily operate as an adult prison until the construction of a new permanent correctional facility is completed.

A separate, more compact facility has been found for juvenile offenders within the Central Prison but outside the main secured area. This will isolate minors from adult inmates and comply with the Council of Europe Committee for the Prevention of Torture requirements.

Transferring the juveniles will also free up the so-called "Special 8" block, which currently houses inmates under 21, partially alleviating the overcrowded prison.

The Justice Ministry noted that the creation of separate facilities for juveniles was supposed to be completed over a year ago, but delays with the Limnes Center project prevented earlier implementation. After the first phase of Limnes is completed, migrants currently held in Mennoge will be transferred, and the facility will start accommodating adult convicts.

Additionally, the minister has ordered an acceleration of the deportation of foreigners staying in the country without a residence permit. According to new rules, such individuals will be held in police cells for no more than four days prior to deportation to reduce the burden on the penitentiary system and state expenses.