Greece is preparing a major overhaul of its prison system, with plans dating back to 2019 and originally announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The initiative was reaffirmed by the current Minister of Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrisochoidis, who outlined an ambitious plan to build eight new correctional facilities and relocate the Korydallos penitentiary—currently a pre-trial detention center—to the Aspropyrgos industrial zone, most likely on the site of the old NATO base.
The reforms come amid longstanding concerns over overcrowding, outdated infrastructure, and recent violence in Greek prisons.
Speaking to SKAI, Chrisochoidis highlighted the urgency of the situation: “We have a significant problem in prisons. There are too many inmates due to stricter legislation, and the infrastructure is very old. The newest prison, in Drama, was planned ten years ago and only became operational last year.”
Eight New Prisons
The new prisons will include sites in Aspropyrgos, Filiates in Thesprotia, Ioannina, Megalopolis, and Western Macedonia. Chrisochoidis indicated that one facility is already in the bidding process and expects the Korydallos relocation to be completed around 2030. Authorities are moving swiftly to secure resources and fast-track construction.
In addition, Greece is introducing electronic monitoring programs, allowing individuals with lighter sentences to serve time outside prison using monitoring bracelets. “In a few days, the electronic monitoring system will start, enabling courts to allow many low-risk offenders to remain at home or another designated location,” the minister said.
AI Traffic Cameras and Enforcement
Chrisochoidis also addressed updates on traffic cameras across Greece, clarifying which cameras will issue fines:
- 300 regional cameras will focus on red-light violations starting June.
- Eight AI-equipped cameras are currently validating fines for multiple offenses.
- A pilot program on select public buses monitors bus lane violations.
- Cameras on Attiki Odos highways are linked directly to Gov.gr accounts for automated ticketing.
