Author
Under the law, every detainee is allowed to have personal interviews with a lawyer in a private space without the presence of any member of the police.[1] This right can be exercised any day or time and the Head of the Detention Centre has an obligation to not prevent, obstruct, or limit access. In practice this is mostly adhered to. However, there would probably be an issue if a lawyer attempted to visit past the hour detainees are restricted to their cells. In the case of UNHCR or NGO visits, there are restrictions as they must give prior notice and will be given access during regular hours. Police officers may be present during interviews with detainees and NGOs, however in 2024 it was noted that if the detainee is an asylum seeker such meetings were held without presence of police officers. Lawyers maintain client/lawyer privilege and can meet in private. [2]
The media is restricted from accessing detention centres and must request permission which would most probably not be granted. As mainstream media show little interest in such issues, there is not a lot of information with regard to media attempts to enter detention facilities. Less mainstream media would definitely not be given access and any video footage that has surfaced was shot without permission. Politicians have access to detention centres but are also required to give prior notice.
Under the law, every detainee has the right to daily visits with any person of their choice for one hour.[3] These are held in the presence of the police; however, in practice police officers do not remain in the visiting room, rather they leave the door open and monitor occasionally. The same applies to religious representatives.[4]
NGOs and UNHCR monitor detention centres, but in order to carry out monitoring visits and to be given access to areas besides those for visitors, approval is needed from the Head of Police or the Ministry of Justice and Public Order. Throughout 2016, the Police carried out consultations with NGOs and signed a Memorandum of Understanding in March 2017 which remains in effect (indefinitely), in order to facilitate better collaboration and communication between all parties on, among other things, access to places of detention and exchange of information. This has indeed led to more effective access and faster information exchange.[5] The Cyprus Refugee Council carries out regular monitoring visits to Menogia, at least once a month, mainly to identify and screen vulnerable persons and provide information on asylum procedures to detainees. The police in Menogia are notified beforehand of the visits.
In Menogia, detainees are permitted to have mobile phones and use them at any time. Detainees report that they must pay for credit for their mobile phone with their own money that is held for them in the centre. Money sources include what was in their possession at the time of arrest or from friends or family. This money is used for all their necessities. This creates a communication barrier for detainees who did not carry any money at the moment of their arrest or who have used all of their funds. Detainees report that in such cases, they borrow money from other detainees or use another detainee’s mobile. In recent years, access to free WiFi has increased communication via mobile applications, however the quality for voice calls is not always adequate. According to the management of the centre, detainees can request to use the centre’s landline, however such a request must be submitted in writing and approved by the Director which usually takes 24 hours, and this includes calls to lawyers. Detainees did not seem to know about this option or reported that it was easier to borrow another detainee’s mobile.
As the Centre is in a remote area, it is not easy for lawyers to access it, therefore detainees use mobile applications to send documents or written communication to lawyers, NGOs, or other organisations.[6]
The situation in holding cells varies. In some, there are stricter rules regarding the use of a mobile phone, however in others it is easier to access the landline. Regarding visitation, detainees are allowed visitors and lawyers as well as NGOs if they receive approval as mentioned above.
[1] Article 12 Rights of Persons who are Arrested and Detained Law.
[2] Information provided by Cyprus Refugee Council
[3] Article 16 Rights of Persons who are Arrested and Detained Law.
[4] Information provided by Cyprus Refugee Council
[5] Information based on the Cyprus Refugee Council’s access to Menogia within the scope of a pilot project on alternatives to detention.
[6] Information based on monitoring visits carried out by the Cyprus Refugee Council.