Country

Cyprus

Detention issue

Solitary confinement

FRA research findings

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Legal instruments & key provisions

Legal instrument Key provision
Prison Regulations (Οι περί Φυλακών (Γενικοί) Κανονισμοί του 1997)The prison director may order the restriction or isolation of a prisoner for any period deemed necessary for the purpose of maintaining discipline and order, for protecting the interests of himself or herself or those of other detainees, for restricting or isolating violent or unruly detainees whose conduct is disorderly and threatening to other detainees, or for reasons of discipline. This measure can be imposed only on those prisoners whose health record does not show any serious mental or physical illness which will deteriorate in the event of isolation. Confinement may take place either at the prisoner’s own cell or in a special cell or a special protection room. Confinement in one’s own cell for reasons of prevention and not discipline is permitted upon orders from any of the prison officers and subsequent covering permit from their superiors. Confinement may last only 120 hours, however, extensions may be issued subject to the director’s written permission. Confinement in a special room is permitted only upon written recommendation from a medical officer and written authorisation from the prison director. Whilst in solitary confinement, detainees may leave their cell for half an hour in the morning and half an hour in the evening. A prisoner who suffers from a contagious or infectious illness may also be confined, following orders from a medical officer. A detainee who is about to be charged with a disciplinary offence may be restricted to his personal cell or to a special cell depending on the case and the severity of the offence until the completion of the investigation. The period of restriction must not exceed four days unless the Prison Director approves an extension for two more days.

NATIONAL PREVENTIVE MECHANISM RECOMMENDATIONS

Year Recommendation Report
2015Furthermore, during interviews with detainees, cases of informal solitary confinement were described, where they were kept in their cells for approximately 2-3 days, without access to the courtyard. In particular, several detainees confirmed the allegations of three prisoners that they had not been granted access to the yard and had not left their cell for 2-3 days, without being given any explanation by the staff. This practice is unacceptable as it is incompatible with both the relevant Law and international standards. In particular, it is envisaged that prisoners, even in isolation, should leave their cell for at least one hour outdoors. I therefore recommend that the competent authority refrain from such actions in the future and ensure, in each case, at least one hour of outdoor exercise for each detainee. Report details