Prison director to meet President Anastasiades to discuss ‘issues’ (updated)

Director of the central prisons Anna Aristotelous has been called to have a meeting with President Nicos Anastasiades, along with the attorney general and justice ministry, to discuss “current issues,” deputy government spokeswoman Niovi Parasinou said on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters, Anastasiades said there needs to be a meeting to discuss the existing problems and clarify any misunderstandings, “so the state can work as smoothly as it previously did.

“This topic is seen as an insurmountable problem in the public debate. I considered, under the conditions that we’re seeing, the conditions need to be created to ensure smooth operations.

Asked if he believed there may be any conflict, Anastasiades said “I don’t see any reason why there should be. Everyone is interested in finding the best possible way to tackle the problems the country is facing.”

An ongoing spat between Aristotelous and Savvides rose to a head last week, after the latter published a damning statement saying that a four-member committee tasked to look into the use of mobile phones and drugs at the prison concluded management there was inadequate and ineffective.

Aristotelous has charged that the inquiry only arose after she had made complaints about a senior police officer working with a prisoner to get evidence against her, which she says has not been properly investigated.

The meeting is set to take place at the presidential palace on Wednesday at 6.30pm.

Attendees will include Aristotelous, Attorney-general Giorgos Savvides and his deputy Savvas Angelides, as well as Justice Minister Stephie Dracou, the chief of police, Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos and deputy chief of the electromechanical services.