Belgian prison staff to protest overcrowding
Staff and management at all Belgian prisons will protest against overcrowding in front of prison buildings on 2 October. “The prison crisis is unprecedented, and prisons are crying out for help,” said the prison administration.
The action, announced by the socialist union ACOD, is set to take place simultaneously in all prisons across the country between 12.30 and 14.30.
Belgium has been grappling with overcrowded prisons for years, the resulting inhumane conditions leading to several condemnations by the European Court of Human Rights.
353 prisoners sleep on the floor
Overcrowding peaked in early August, with more than 13,000 inmates being held in prisons with an official capacity of just over 11,000. Minister of Justice Annelies Verlinden announced plans to create over 2,000 new prison spaces by 2030.
Meanwhile, however, the problem continues to grow. On Tuesday, prison directors highlighted the rapid change in numbers. In one week, an additional 27 prisoners were recorded as sleeping on the floor, bringing the total to 353.
The figure illustrates the seriousness of the situation and justifies the joint call for action, they said. On Thursday, the prison directors and their staff will appear together in their everyday work clothes and speak to the press in front of the prison gates.
Deep crisis
The aim of the protest is to emphasise the severity of the crisis and send a strong message to the government. The trade unions said they supported this call and are encouraging their members to join them.
According to ACOD, the fact that the prison administration has taken the initiative itself shows how deep the prison crisis has become, and that the usual consultation and emergency measures are no longer sufficient.
© BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM
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