Cyprus Second in Europe for Prison Overcrowding - 2024 Report

Cyprus has the second-highest prison overcrowding rate in Europe, according to the Council of Europe's 2024 annual report. Despite improving by one position compared to 2023, Cyprus remains near the top of the list, second only to Slovenia.

As of January 31, 2024, there were 1,021,431 prisoners in Europe. Cyprus has 132 inmates per 100 available places, followed by France with 124.

Marcello Aebi, Head of the Research Team, stated that overcrowding jeopardizes living conditions and rehabilitation efforts.

The Ministry of Justice responded that the capacity of the Central Prisons has increased, and a new wing with a capacity of 360 places is planned for completion by 2028.

The most common offenses leading to imprisonment are drug trafficking (16.7%) and theft (12.3%). Foreign nationals account for 50% of the prison population.

See the report by Christoforos Nestoros.