Filenews 9 June 2024 - by Michalis Hadjivassilis
A road map for solving the problems plaguing prisons was prepared by the new deputy director of the Department, Haris Filippidis, who has set his red lines regarding corruption, drugs and mobile phones.
Coming from the ranks of the Police, he seems familiar with the situation and got to work without many words. We met him at his "headquarters" in prison. He wore a simple T-shirt and jeans with sneakers, showing that he did not go to be the manager but to find solutions. Corruption is a red line and in order to set an example he himself passes through scrutiny because he chooses to speak with his works.
– The problems faced by prisons are many and intractable. How will you move to resolve them?
– I am a man of substance and I prefer to speak with actions. My vision is to create the penitentiary of tomorrow, today. To make our Prisons safer, both for the staff who work and for the people who live here. With dignified spaces and conditions, not only of detention, but mainly of rehabilitation and reintegration into society, of active and reformed citizens. Our main strategic objectives are three, which are fully aligned with the programmatic statements of the President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides.
Specifically, they are:
(a) the modernization of our Penitentiary System,
(b) tackling overcrowding and
(c) tackling corruption.
Together with my close associates, we are in the process of preparing our Action Plan, a Roadmap, with individual goals and actions with specific timelines, which will gradually lead us to the implementation of our strategic goals. Upon completion, our intention is to present it to the public. We are accountable to society and take this obligation very seriously. That is why at the end of the year we will come back and report on the progress we will have made on the basis of the implementation of our program. We, as the new management, operate with complete transparency and I want people to know that.
The core of all my actions is the protection in every way of the human rights of prisoners. At the same time, I would like to underline that the protection and practical support of the prison staff is a non-negotiable priority for me. Prison guards are the poor relative of the criminal justice system. I can say that they are the unseen heroes, since they work in a very stressful environment, where they daily come into contact with people who, admittedly, are in the worst phase of their lives. As a result, our prison guards, and by extension their families, are under constant pressure and intense stress. I want our prison guards to feel safe in their workplace. As people that they are, they too are entitled to make mistakes in the course of their daily work. I want them to know that the Management of the Department of Prisons and I personally stand by them, provided of course that any mistakes are not deliberate, repeated or endanger the safety of any person.
-Recently, the Committee against Torture of the Council of Europe in a report makes a series of observations on prisons. Is it estimated that several issues will be solved with the projects promoted?
– The visits and observations of the Committee against Torture (also known as CPT) are viewed positively by us. We take them seriously and proceed with the implementation of their recommendations, to the extent possible, of course. In this regard, I would like to inform you that as a Directorate we have completed the evaluation of the recommendations of the CPT Committee and we have prepared a separate action plan in order to implement those recommendations that we believe can be implemented and bring added value to our prison system.
Our premises date back to 1894, which naturally does not contribute to the existence of a modern prison, which would facilitate both the operation of the Correctional Institution of our country and the smoother living of the prisoners. The new buildings, which are in progress, as well as the new wing that will be built by 2027, will solve very important issues, especially the problem of prisoners' living in their cells, which is perhaps the most important observation of the CPT Committee.
I would like to underline that I see any comments we receive from time to time, either from the Committee against Torture, from other competent Committees, or even from independent institutions (inside and outside Cyprus), as opportunities to improve as a penitentiary. Personally, on the basis that there is always room for improvement in everything we do, I am positive even in criticism that is made from time to time, because it is a tool that allows me to evaluate both my performance and the achievements of the Organization I lead and accordingly review and improve them.
It should be noted, however, that several of the Commission's recommendations have already been implemented. Since May 2023, when we received the evaluation, until today, the situation in the local penitentiary has greatly improved. But we are not entirely satisfied. Our efforts are both intensive and continuous. We operate with full transparency and we are ready to officially inform both the CPT Committee, the executive and legislative powers, but mainly society, in relation to the handling of all issues/observations raised in this Report. My position is that people should know what is happening inside prisons, especially in relation to the protection of the rights of the people who live here, as well as the efforts for reform and reintegration. And believe me, a lot is happening.
-What rehabilitation and correction programs for prisoners operate in prisons? What do you plan for the future?;
– (EL) Incarceration in itself creates conditions of exclusion from various sectors and this is an extremely important obstacle to the reintegration of convicts. Our incarcerated fellow human beings should be treated as individuals, who will return to society at some point, as partakers of every aspect and activity. At this point, allow me to stress the importance we attach to prisoner education, which has been recognised even at European and international level. Education in prison aims to reconnect with the educational process and minimize the "suffering of incarceration". The penitentiary of our country has made significant steps towards the social and professional reintegration of prisoners after their release. Our initiatives include educational programs, vocational training, psychosocial support, and the development of a network of cooperation with employers. Cooperation with the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Justice, through the Employment Rehabilitation Plan and the financial support of employers, is also a key element in enhancing the professional rehabilitation of released prisoners.
In addition, psychosocial support should be strengthened with more professionals and programmes covering all the psychological and social needs of prisoners. But the biggest challenge lies in society's acceptance of former prisoners. Stigma and social exclusion remain important obstacles to the professional and social rehabilitation of released prisoners. For all these reasons, as prison management, we are in the process of redesigning and developing a comprehensive framework of professional and educational services, which we will offer. This planning will even include training for new jobs after release.
-What solutions are being promoted for the problem of overpopulation?
– It should be noted that overcrowding is a particularly serious phenomenon, which greatly concerns correctional institutions around the world. Specifically, prisons in more than 130 countries exceed their maximum occupancy rate. This is observed even in countries that are considered advanced. It is important for the public to know that, for the first time, we are facing such a big problem of overcrowding, with prisoners in some cases even exceeding 1100, if we take into account that the capacity of our facilities numbers about 600 places.
However, I dare say that despite the difficulties brought about by overcrowding, as a Department of Prisons, we try and provide the best possible conditions of detention for the people who live here. Our effort is to comply with European and international regulations, respecting their dignity and human rights. I take the view that overcrowding is the most serious problem we are facing at the moment, since its existence undoubtedly leads to a number of serious concomitant problems, such as the increase in violence among prisoners, the difficulty in providing the necessary medical care, and the weakening of our efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate convicts.
On the other hand, overcrowding, combined with understaffing, significantly increases the psychological pressure on prison guards. It is for all these reasons that tackling prison overcrowding is the second key Pillar of our Strategy, as a new Directorate.
Today, I am pleased to say that with the measures that have been taken, within the framework of the policy of the present Government and under the continuous and substantial supervision of the Minister of Justice and Public Order himself, Mr. Marios Hartsiotis, the problem of overcrowding, perhaps for the first time in the history of the Republic of Cyprus, is expected to be resolved. Not with utopian, but with realistic and immediate solutions.
-At what stage are the projects to alleviate the problem of overpopulation?
– Our penitentiary, as you will have noticed, can be described as a huge construction site, since several building works are currently being carried out. A new closed prison is created, in place of the open one with about 240 new places, where upon its completion we will have a significant percentage (around 30%), decongestion of our existing cells. In addition, the creation of the new Center for Extra-institutional Employment & Rehabilitation of Prisoners is at a very advanced stage. Finally, the process for the construction of an additional closed prison by 2027 is at an advanced stage, where we will have an additional 350 places, which will essentially solve the problem of overcrowding. On this occasion, I would like to express our sincere thanks to the Director-General of the Ministry of Justice, Dr. Louis Panayi, for his personal interest in the implementation of the above projects.
87 + 61 prison guard posts
What about the lack of staff given that the number of prisoners increases, as do the wards?
– The Department of Prisons, at this time, has the least staff it had since its establishment, always in relation to the increased number of prisoners. It should be said, however, that with the help of the leadership of the Ministry of Justice, we have recently announced 87 new permanent prison guard positions, with the recruitment process at a very advanced stage. At the same time, we plan to announce another 61 vacancies for prison guards later this year.
Finally, I would like to stress that we are at a very critical juncture. We make our plans and work with all our strength to achieve our goals, amidst many adversities and difficulties, since prisons, by definition, are a very special situation. We know very well that this is far from easy. However, we have to start somewhere, to end this situation, which does not satisfy anyone (especially prison staff). We have rolled up our sleeves and started. Society is justifiably concerned and demands a lot from us. This is completely understandable and rest assured that we, as the Prison Administration, are listening to people's concerns and will do everything possible to respond." We want our detainees and staff to be safe. We know our job very well and we have good intentions." That is the message I want to give to the world.
Red line: staff corruption
Unfortunately in isolation, but staff members appear to be involved in bringing mobile phones and drugs into prisons. How does management act in this regard?
– This is indeed very worrying, which is why I will speak directly and bluntly. Corruption in the criminal justice system, including prisons, is widespread in many countries.
Prisons, by their nature, are places of high risk for corruption, especially where there is a lack of transparency and public oversight. Personally, for me it is one of my red lines. Where such phenomena are found, wherever they come from, the answer will be zero tolerance. Our position for zero tolerance on corruption issues is clearly shown through the active action of the Prison Directorate, through its contribution to the actions of the five prison guards under investigation. And since the well-known saying "Caesar's wife is not enough to be honest, but must also be seen" applies, especially in our case, to say that we have recently reviewed the control and investigation measures of all prison staff when they enter the premises.
Everyone, without exception, from the deputy director to the last prison guard, is investigated exactly as is the case with any person entering the Prison (visitors, political staff, undertrials, convicts, etc.).
At this point, I would like to emphasize emphatically that the actions under investigation of the five prison guards, who have been suspended recently, in relation to their investigated involvement in very serious cases, do not reflect the values and principles of the Department of Prisons. It is indeed very sad to see such isolated incidents, which justifiably undermine public confidence in our prisons.
On the other hand, these events also serve as a reminder that no one is above the Law. They come to warn potential offenders (regardless of their status) that they risk ending up in a cell themselves. I want to be categorical on this. Where there is evidence of reprehensible actions, prison guards are the first to demand and want the appropriate consequences. As an alternate. Director of Prisons, I need to stress that I am proud of the vast majority of our prison guards. People need to know that they are honest, ethical and dignified and work selflessly in an extremely difficult environment.
Women and men prison guards perform a vocation, putting above all the safety and well-being of the people they are charged with caring for. Outside the high walls of the prisons, the guards are themselves parents, they are themselves children and grandchildren of our fellow human beings, they are active members of this society, of Cypriot society. They deserve more respect and recognition than what they receive, and I have no doubt that people will very soon understand what I am saying. The management of the penitentiary is determined to minimize corruption, this timeless cancer that damages the healthy cells of our human resources.
That is why tackling corruption is the 3rd Pillar of our strategic plan.
55% of the population are foreigners detained for criminal offences
-A large number of detainees are foreigners and are even in prisons due to immigration. Could there not be a different treatment so that they do not end up in prisons?
– Let me say that foreign prisoners today are much more numerous than Cypriots, constituting about 55% of the total prison population. And I declare this as a fact, on the basis of the figures before me, and without any criticism whatsoever against any group of people. Since there seems to be a myth surrounding the detention of foreigners, I would like to take this opportunity to clarify that foreigners are not detained in our prisons just because they are illegal, with a view to their deportation. Those who are here are detained because they have committed serious criminal offenses (such as homicide, rape, burglary, theft, forgery, etc.) and have been punished under the laws of our country. Therefore, they are not in prison because of the immigration problem.
Why is a different treatment of minor offenders not promoted with alternative sentences to imprisonment?
– I could not agree more with what you say. It is a fact that alternative penalties have been adopted in many countries, particularly for less serious offences. I think that yes, serious consideration should be given to investing as a state in alternatives to imprisonment. Especially, regarding minorities and / or vulnerable groups, such as children and young people, people with mental health problems, mothers with dependent children, LGBTQI+ people, etc.
The problem of overcrowding can only be solved in conjunction with building changes and the adoption of alternative penalties to imprisonment. It should be said that in recent years electronic monitoring (bracelet) and supervised release (parole) have been successfully implemented, which, however, are alternative ways of serving the sentence, and not alternative penalties.
