Central Prison’s Food Costs for Inmates Exceed North Cyprus Minimum Wage, Sparking Public Debate
The expenses associated with feeding the 980 prisoners and detainees in Central Prison are astonishing.
Here is the breakdown of the cost for three daily meals per inmate:
- Daily: 933 TL
- Monthly: 27,990 TL
- Annually: 335,880 TL
- Annually for 1,000 People: 335,880,000 TL
Prison at Full Capacity
In our country, where the minimum wage is 33,926 TL gross and 29,516 TL net, the expenditure on meals for a prisoner or detainee in Central Prison is surprising. As of August 8, 2024, the prison houses 980 inmates from 54 different countries, with 535 convicted and 445 detained, filling it to capacity.
The majority of the prison population comes from third-world countries, with a “monthly food expense per person” of 27,990 TL. This exceeds the “hunger threshold” necessary for a family of four to eat healthily, which was calculated at 26,191 TL at the end of July.
Funded by Public Taxes
Given that the net monthly minimum wage in the country is 29,516 TL, the fact that an inmate spends 933 TL per day and 27,990 TL per month on food is a topic of public debate. While a full menu at a restaurant costs between 400-600 TL, the 311 TL charge per meal by the catering company contracted by the prison is considered exorbitant.
In addition to their daily meals costing 933 TL, inmates stay in shared accommodations of 3, 10, or 14 people and receive various services, including healthcare, television, air conditioning, and refrigeration.
Factoring in prison operational costs and staff salaries, the financial burden on taxpayers for each prisoner or detainee increases. Due to economic considerations, there are calls for measures such as sentencing minor offenders to community service instead of imprisonment and deporting foreign nationals involved in crimes.
