Selection: Michalis Katsigeras

KORYDALLOS PRISON: The justice minister has laid the foundation stone for the new state-of-the-art Athens-Piraeus prison, which is to be built on the state stadium grounds at Korydallos. The foundation-laying ceremony was attended by the economy and interior ministers, the mayor of Piraeus, Piraeus judiciary officials, the chief of police and director of general security, the heads of the Athens and Piraeus bar associations and many other distinguished guests. The blessing of the site was given by Bishop of Piraeus Chrysostomos. The prison complex has been designed on the basis of Greek and foreign experience. Its 75,000 square meters include administrative and auxiliary premises, 580 individual cells, wings for juvenile offenders and others for short-term prisoners. There will be a cafeteria, laundry rooms, showers and other facilities. Within the next year, the new prison will be accepting prisoners from the present Piraeus jail, which is to be closed, and then later on from the other three prisons in the provinces. Part of the construction costs will be covered by leasing the state stadium in Nea Smyrni.