Güven Bengihan: Central Prison in Northern Cyprus Overcrowded, Legislation Needs Updating

Güven Bengihan, chairman of the Union of Turkish Cypriot Civil Servants (KTAMS), stated on 8 October, on the occasion of Prison Officers’ Day, that prisons in Northern Cyprus are overcrowded and staff workloads are increasing.

According to Bengihan, uncontrolled entries into the country have led to population growth, which has resulted in a rise in crime and inmate numbers. The Central Prison houses prisoners well above its designed capacity, increasing pressure on personnel.

Bengihan noted that both prisons are operational, which exacerbates the staffing shortage. He called for an urgent update of prison legislation, as current regulations do not correspond to modern working conditions and inmate management.

The statement also mentioned that due to staffing issues, some prison officers with ten years of service have still not received promotions, negatively affecting staff motivation.

Bengihan emphasized the importance of providing modern and safe working conditions for prison officers and ensuring decent living conditions for inmates to support their social rehabilitation. The union pledged to continue advocating for better working and living conditions for staff and inmates.