Filenews 17 October 2024 - by Fanis Makrides
Any insecurities about taking additional measures in the prison system of the Republic after the escape of 42-year-old life imprisoner Theodoros Theofanous, known as a hairdresser, were overcome today at the meeting of the parliamentary committee of Legal Affairs. However, there was no shortage of impressive reports.
It is indicative that the chairman of the parliamentary committee, Nikos Tornaritis, at the end of the meeting, confidently stated that the frequent outings of the lifesaver were the product of 'rusεftiko'. [back-handers].
''How did a hairdresser, who turned out to be a cabinetmaker as we heard today and an artist, go out so many times?" asked Tornaritis, adding: "I am sure that this particular one came out at the expense of others because he had the means. These avenues must be cut."
Of course, this reference was not entirely indicative of the atmosphere that prevailed at the meeting. The reason was the lengthy note read out by the Minister of Justice, Marios Hartsiotis, in which he gave answers to all issues concerning the Central Prisons.
In short, he referred to all the burning issues and with specific references to timetables he spoke about all the solutions already launched, giving the impression that he had an answer to all concerns. Any fears that the issue with the prison system was left to chance were also inevitably addressed.
Among other things, from what Mr. Hartsiotis said, his specific references to protocols, memorandums, activation of competent bodies and legislative amendments stood out, which, based on what he said, will regulate all issues that came to the surface on the occasion of the 42-year-old's escape. According to him, the issue of codifying the cases of detainees who will be granted permits is also under regulation, as well as the establishment of a protocol for their transfer with the cooperation of prison guards and police officials.
Even when the official of the trade union "Equality", Nikos Loizides, referred to the need for the appointment of a "liaison officer" in order to achieve the best possible cooperation between prisons and police, Mr. Hartsiotis had an answer. He welcomed his view, but hastened to add that he had already launched a solution.
However, the Minister of Justice made it clear that the water has now entered the groove for criminalizing the import and use of mobile phones in Central Prisons (until now there were only disciplinary responsibilities), revealing his determination to settle the issue.
It should also be noted that the member of the prison guards branch of "Equality", George Maltezos, said that prison guards have not received specialized training for prisoner transfers.
