Two proposals from private intermediaries for constructing new Central Prisons have reached Justice Minister Costas Fytiris’s desk before he formally announces his decision to create an entirely new correctional facility outside the urban network.
The two proposals were sent to the Justice and Public Order Ministry addressed to Fytiris, though it is considered too early to discuss matters concerning the actual construction of new prisons, as many steps must precede the announcement of the major project, according to Phileleftheros information.
One proposal comes from a former political figure who previously showed interest in building new prisons when such a possibility was examined, though those plans were abandoned due to the high cost estimated for the entire project at the time, according to the same sources.
The Justice Minister has announced the project will be promoted swiftly and at minimal cost, though feasibility studies, architectural studies, electrical studies and cash flow must come first. Information and consultation with residents of areas neighbouring the new prisons must also precede construction to avoid reactions that could delay or cancel the project.
Most importantly, residents of affected areas must be convinced, despite the new prisons being built on state land several kilometres from the first houses, according to competent sources. Fytiris plans to inform neighbouring communities about the benefits and that it will be a closed community without security risks.
The decision to build new prisons was taken due to multiple problems facing existing facilities, not only overcrowding and frequent negative reports from European human rights bodies.
To make new prisons feasible, the project to build a new wing with 360-person capacity near the existing prison was cancelled. The necessary studies had already been completed for that project, an audit firm was paid to prepare them, and the Public Works was ready to announce the project.
The new prisons solution has been discussed since 2000, though cost postponed the project, leading to huge efforts to upgrade existing facilities. However, overcrowding has acted as an obstacle, causing serious effects on prisoners’ rights.
Currently over 1,100 people are detained in the prisons, whilst capacity reaches 750.
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