Warning shots fired at central prisons following unauthorized border crossing

Around 21:35 on a Wednesday, a prison guard fired two warning shots into the air after observing a 23-year-old foreign national approaching the Central Prisons in Nicosia from the direction of the occupied territories. Police were notified, arrived at the scene, and took the individual into custody. The individual, who lacks legal status in the Republic of Cyprus, stated his intention to seek political asylum. He was subsequently transferred to the Pournara First Reception Centre in Kokkinotrimithia. Media reports suggest an internal investigation is underway regarding the prison guard's use of a service weapon, as regulations generally limit such actions to escape prevention. Additionally, some reports highlight potential procedural questions regarding whether the arrest should have been performed by police rather than prison staff. No injuries were reported during the incident, and subsequent searches of the prison grounds identified additional mobile phones.