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Prison Staff Welcome Announcements for New Prisons as a 'Critical First Step'

Published January 8, 2026, 09:15
Prison Staff Welcome Announcements for New Prisons as a 'Critical First Step'

The Prison Staff Branch of PASYDY welcomed the announcements by the Minister of Justice regarding the construction of new prisons outside urban areas and the strengthening of the Prison Department with new personnel as a 'critical first step'. These measures respond to long-standing demands of the staff, who recognize the Minister's willingness to make changes to the correctional system. However, PASYDY warned that the current situation in prisons is critical due to chronic understaffing, increased security risks, and exhausting working conditions. Staff have been heavily burdened for years, operating under marginal conditions. The organization calls for the immediate implementation of the announcements, with clear timelines and the immediate promotion of procedures to fill vacant positions. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for the meaningful participation of staff representatives in all stages of decision-making and implementation. PASYDY is committed to remaining an active interlocutor and ally in any effort to modernize the correctional system, but warns that it will closely monitor the implementation of the announcements and will not tolerate broken promises, as has happened in the past. It will defend the rights, safety and dignity of staff with dynamic demands, if necessary.