Cyprus: Jail time for cell phones in prisons

Parliament has passed an amendment to the Prisons Law, strengthening the legal framework to combat the possession and trafficking of mobile phones and other prohibited items inside and outside prisons.

The Prisons (Amendment) Law of 2026 makes the possession, use, import, and export of mobile phones, as well as prohibited items or substances to or from prisons, including attempted offenses, criminal offenses.

Violators, whether inmates or not, are subject to imprisonment of up to two years and/or a fine of up to €6,000. For prison staff, the penalty is up to three years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to €10,000.