Relieving overcrowding at Komotini Prison: Inmates to be transferred to new facility in Drama
As of November 4, 2024, preparations are underway to alleviate overcrowding at the Komotini Correctional Facility, with the transfer of inmates to the newly constructed prison in Nikiforos, Drama, set to begin by the end of the month. According to Drama MP Dimitris Kyriazidis, government ministers have committed to completing all remaining work at the new prison, which has a capacity for 600 inmates but currently holds only 100.
In statements to ERT, Kyriazidis confirmed that Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis will visit the area in November. He added that two wings of the new prison would be operational immediately, with two additional wings to follow and a fifth wing scheduled to open in December.
Antonis Papadopoulos, Chief Warden of the Komotini facility, emphasized the urgent need for the transfer, noting that the prison currently holds 270 inmates in a space intended for 100, although the state has temporarily increased the capacity to 160. Papadopoulos expressed hope that officials will honor their commitments, highlighting severe overcrowding issues as the inmate population has nearly reached 400.
He also stressed the need for additional staff, as Komotini currently operates with only one-third of the required personnel. While progress in Komotini has been slow, staffing and facilities for the Transfer Department in Drama are moving forward, though Komotini’s transfer section remains under-resourced, awaiting the addition of 50-60 police officers.
