The Central Prisons are facing a serious new challenge after authorities launched a highly confidential investigation into a complaint by a female inmate alleging she received “differential treatment” while incarcerated.
Investigators from Police Headquarters CID are in possession of a multi-page statement from the inmate, which reportedly details a series of events over a specific period that, if substantiated, could constitute a major scandal.
According to reports, the inmate came forward voluntarily to CID members following the recent controversy surrounding documents within the prisons. A meeting was arranged inside the facility where the inmate recounted events and conditions that allegedly occurred while she was awaiting trial, and more significantly, after her conviction. The prisoner reportedly provided three successive, detailed statements to investigators regarding her movements inside the facility.
Late-night access
The inmate alleges that she was repeatedly removed from the female wing where she was detained and transferred to a specific office, where she would remain for several hours. Crucially, she claims to have remained outside her wing until the early hours of the morning, long after the standard lockdown hour (usually 9 pm or 10 pm on weekends).
These movements have reportedly been corroborated by the wing’s archived records, which meticulously logged the hours the inmate was absent. Sources indicate that the inmate’s transfer from her wing to the specific office was a recurring practice.
Allegations of movement while awaiting trial
Furthermore, the inmate claims that while she was still an unconvicted prisoner (awaiting trial), she was allowed to leave the prison for various events or training sessions. This is highly irregular, as such movement is typically avoided for unconvicted individuals who are considered a higher flight risk.
The authorities are meticulously examining the numerous significant details concerning the inmate’s alleged transfers to the office and other details related to the person she met there, investigating the possibility of serious criminal offences being committed.
Former prison director denies all knowledge
The lawyer for the former Director of Central Prisons, Anna Aristotelous, issued a statement today regarding the new allegations, which concern a period when she was in charge of the facility.
Christos Triantafyllides, representing Aristotelous, stated that his client “categorically and unreservedly rejects such actions.”
“She has instructions from her to state that such an incident was never brought to her attention while she was in the management of the Central Prisons, nor would she ever knowingly permit such an incident to take place,” Triantafyllides said.
He added that Aristotelous is “watching the latest developments in surprise” and has “no doubt” that some parties are “artfully trying to involve her” for their own purposes. The statement concluded that Ms Aristotelous has “absolute faith in the Cypriot Justice system” and will protect her legal rights until the end.
Witness protection
Documents from the prisons have been collected as evidence and are under review. Additionally, investigators have begun taking statements from staff members who were aware of the alleged activities but had not spoken out. Those responsible for the inmate’s wing and the accompanying prison guards are among those being called to testify.
Following her testimony, the inmate was reportedly placed under the witness protection programme and moved outside the prison for obvious security reasons. Investigations are currently underway to verify the inmate’s claims before any further action is taken.
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