Lack of detention centers in Nicosia. Suspects for serious cases in the capital are being held in Limassol or in the police detention centers of Aradippou and Ayia Napa. For more than two months, the Lakatamia police detention centers have been closed due to works, with the result that there are no other cells available for the detention of suspects.
According to today's statements of the police director of Nicosia, Iakovos Ioannou in the newspaper "Phileleftheros", the detention facilities in the police stations of Nicosia were deemed capable only for temporary detention of persons for up to 24 hours. This is because detainees would be deprived of some of their rights in the event of a longer detention, as they do not have places for entertainment, exercise and adequate ventilation.
The changes to the Lakatamia detention center were decided following recommendations from the Council of Europe Commission against Torture to provide such facilities with respect for human rights. Specifically, works are being done for better lighting, ventilation, changes related to the floor, while sinks and other objects that had problems are being repaired.
Mr. Ioannou stated that the situation is temporary and that next month it is expected that the works will be completed and the detention centers will operate normally. According to information, the projects were expected to be completed last month, however, a new delivery date was given for mid-June.
The renovations concern about 30 cells and the problem of detaining suspects for the Nicosia Police Department will be solved. According to the same information, in two serious cases recently investigated by the Nicosia Police Department, the kidnapping of a four-year-old and the rape of a 21-year-old by three suspects were transferred to detention centers outside the province, resulting in wasted valuable time and suffering police officers and detainees.
Also, in case of interrogation of a person, the police should go to another province, pick up the suspect, take him to their offices in Nicosia and then return to the detention center or at best interrogate him in the offices of another Directorate.
Source: Liberal