Justice minister says Cyprus remains safe amid regional tensions

Minister of Justice and Public Order Costas Fitiris, sought to reassure the public about the security situation in Cyprus following the war in Iran and the wider crisis in the Middle East, saying society should feel both safe and well informed.

In an interview with Phileleftheros, Fitiris said the Republic has long demonstrated that it acts as a stabilising factor and humanitarian hub in the region and possesses the mechanisms necessary to effectively protect its people, infrastructure and visitors.

He added that the deployment of surveillance and deterrence capabilities in the region, following an initiative by Nikos Christodoulides, “significantly strengthens the country’s deterrent capacity and sends a clear message that Cyprus is not alone but part of a broader European framework of security and cooperation”.

The minister also said the absence of terrorist attacks on the territory of the Republic was not accidental but largely the result of systematic and preventive work carried out by the police and other security and intelligence services.

He noted that the state maintains contingency plans to deal with potential threats and that these are continuously updated in line with developments in the region.

“The relevant security services remain on constant alert and cooperate both at national and European level with the aim of preventing and deterring any threat,” he said.

“Society must feel safe but also informed. We are doing our job with planning, cooperation and calm. If anything arises that requires public guidance, there will be official and timely information.”

Turning to organised crime, the minister said tackling it remains a priority for the government.

He said efforts are focused on improving coordination between relevant services, strengthening the investigative capabilities of the police and using modern tools to address complex forms of criminal activity.

Institutional and legislative initiatives are also being promoted to enhance the effectiveness of the justice system and allow faster and more substantial action against criminal networks.

Within this framework, he said, the ability to monitor telephone conversations – within the strict legal framework and with judicial approval – is an important tool for investigating serious crimes.

Asked about plans to establish a specialised unit to combat organised crime, Fitiris said organisational preparations are in their final stage.

Regarding prisons, the minister said control measures, technological monitoring and security procedures are being strengthened to prevent the continuation of criminal activity from within correctional facilities.

“For the first time there is now a clear plan with specific measures and a timetable: immediate staff reinforcement, modernisation of procedures and the creation of new, modern infrastructure,” he said.

“Our goal is to leave behind long-standing problems and create a system that operates with rules, credibility and respect for institutions.”

Among the key changes outlined in the plan are the appointment of a prisons director and the recruitment of 90 new prison officers, the introduction of a proper administrative structure, an electronic staff evaluation system, strengthened security measures and improvements to existing facilities.

He also referred to plans for a new prison outside the urban area with a capacity of up to 1,500 inmates and built to European standards, with completion targeted within five years.

Regarding juvenile detention, Fitiris said emphasis should be placed on education, support, guidance and reintegration.

“In this context, separate juvenile detention facilities will soon begin operating in the Menoyeia area, ensuring clear separation from adult inmates and providing more suitable conditions for care, education and support,” he said.