Belgium plans to create over 2,000 additional prison spaces as overcrowding peaks
Minister of Justice Annelies Verlinden has announced plans to create 2,037 new prison spaces by 2030, Le Soir reported on Friday. On the same day, figures showed that overcrowding in prisons had reached peak levels, with many inmates having to sleep on the floor.
The plan, which was approved by the Council of Ministers last month, is "gradually entering the implementation phase", said Verlinden. The federal government has allocated it an initial 55 million euros, a small fraction of the estimated total cost of 1.1 billion euros.
Verlinden wants to create a total of 1,105 spaces by 2027, followed by an additional 932 by 2030. After that, she plans to add 1,044 more. The figures may still change depending on the budget provided.
Most of the money will be used to quickly and structurally create new spaces by opening new prisons, using old prisons for longer, and expanding existing facilities.
Overcrowding peaks
Figures consulted by Belga on Friday showed that a record 281 prisoners were sleeping on the floor in Belgian prisons. The situation is worst in Antwerp, where 69 prisoners do not have beds. The vast majority of those sleeping on the floor are men, though ten women are also affected.
General prison overcrowding is also at its peak, with 13,062 inmates currently being held in prisons with an official capacity of just 11,040. In Antwerp, for example, 692 prisoners are being held in a prison with only 439 official spaces.
Staff shortages
The prison system is also struggling with staff shortages, which could jeopardise Verlinden's plans, according to the VSOA trade union. "Where is the minister going to find the extra staff? We are already stretched to the limit," said the union.
"Where is the minister going to find the extra staff?"
The union is not convinced by the idea of creating more prison spaces, as this would contradict the previous plan to focus on alternative penalties. Currently, 670 inmates have been conditionally released six months before the end of their sentence. Terrorists and sex offenders are exempt from the extended leave scheme.
Ghent prison strike
Alongside the trade unions ACOD and ACV, VSOA has announced a strike at Ghent prison, due to begin on the evening of 10 August. The strike will be limited to Ghent, as it concerns a local issue.
It was prompted by ongoing dissatisfaction about prison staff being deployed for hospital security, which requires them to travel long distances at their own expense. The unions are also protesting the fact that staff are regularly required to work two consecutive shifts, resulting in working days of more than sixteen hours.
Haren's prison village during its inauguration in 2022 © BELGA PHOTO JAMES ARTHUR GEKIERE
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