Cypriot Central Prison Administration: Simon Aykut has no complaints

Simon Mistriel Aykut, the director of Afik Group, who faces charges for constructing on Greek Cypriot properties in the North and selling them to third parties without the owner's permission, has reportedly made no complaints about his detention conditions at the Cypriot Central Prison.

According to Haravgi newspaper, in response to reports in the Turkish Cypriot press alleging that Aykut is being held under inhumane conditions, Cypriot Central Prison Director Haris Filippidis stated that every effort is made to ensure the protection of human rights for all inmates.

Filippidis acknowledged that the prison is overcrowded, with more than 1,100 inmates in a facility designed for 600, which can create challenging conditions. He noted that this issue is expected to be largely resolved with the delivery of a new 240-person wing in October.

Addressing claims that some cells lack toilets, Filippidis explained that most cells have their own toilets, and for those that do not, guards are available to assist inmates with access to the facilities whenever needed. He added that all of this can be verified through surveillance camera footage, and no one can claim that guards are preventing inmates from accessing toilets.

Filippidis described the current conditions in the prison as quite good, noting that air conditioning units are operational, the food is of high quality, and inmates are provided with three meals a day from four different menus.

Regarding statements about the possibility of applying to the European Court of Human Rights, Filippidis said that anyone is free to make such applications, but he noted that the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) had visited the prison last year and would likely find continued improvements upon a future visit.

Filippidis emphasized that if Aykut has any complaints, he should address them to the Prison Administration first.