Aimilianides: Problems in Involuntary Confinement System

Lawyer Achilleas Aimilianides, following the case of Giorgos Mazonakis, highlighted serious problems in the involuntary confinement system in Cyprus.

Mr. Aimilianides stressed that the existing framework allows abuses, starting from complaints with selfish motives. The police transfer the person to a government psychiatrist, who often recommends confinement without substantial evaluation.

The lawyer cited examples, such as elderly people with young partners or neighbors being reported. He stressed that involuntary confinement should only be applied in cases of severe mental disorder.

"It cannot be used to settle scores or to turn the government psychiatrist into a judge of a citizen's lifestyle," concluded Mr. Aimilianides.