Two prison guards convicted last week of manslaughter in the death of an inmate are being held at a police station rather than the Central Prisons for security reasons.
Police and prison authorities determined it was inappropriate for the former guards to be housed alongside inmates they previously supervised. The guards received three-year prison sentences for their role in the death of Tansu Cidan on 27 October 2022.
Guards deemed unsuitable for return to prison as inmates
The two staff members are being held in cells at a Nicosia police station that have been designated as prison facilities due to overcrowding at the central prison, according to sources cited by Philenews.
The two staff members cannot return to the prison as convicted inmates, authorities concluded after reviewing the circumstances. Officials also considered that the guards’ co-defendants would serve their sentences inside the prison, potentially creating security risks from vengeful inmates.
The guards were found guilty under Article 205 of the Criminal Code for manslaughter through negligence. The court determined they failed to conduct necessary checks and implement required safety measures, medical care, and protective actions within their duties.
A third guard, who was shift supervisor, received an 18-month suspended sentence for the incident.
Former commissioner Yiannaki to serve sentence at central prison
Former Volunteering Commissioner Yiannakis Yiannaki will be transferred to the central prison tomorrow following his conviction, unlike the prison guards. He is currently being held in Lakatamia and will undergo standard assessment procedures applied to all inmates.
Yiannaki will remain in the evaluation area for 24 hours before being assigned to his cell. He is receiving medical supervision for health issues and additional security measures have been implemented.
The Justice Ministry confirmed Yiannaki will be treated like all convicted prisoners with corresponding obligations and rights. Any applications he submits will be evaluated according to prison regulations.
Yiannaki was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment on 11 September 2025 after pleading guilty to three charges of circulating forged official documents relating to his high school diploma and American university degree. His lawyer is reviewing the District Court’s conviction to determine whether grounds exist for an appeal.
