The number of prison guards attacked increased in 2014, with 192 victims recorded. 1 There were 185 in 2013, and 173 in 2012. This is a 4% increase in a year and an 11% increase in two years, according to figures from the Justice Minister Koen Geens (Flemish Christian Democrats). These were relayed by the Sudpresse newspapers on Friday. Last year, there were 22 attacks on guards at Forest. Lantin, near Liège, came second with 19 reported cases, just above Bruges, where there were 18. As for the French-speaking establishments, there were 15 at Saint-Gilles, and 11 at Mons and Paifve (Juprelle). There were 5 at Ittre and Nivelles, Saint-Hubert and Tournai. 4 attacks were reported at Namur, 3 at Andenne and Huy, and 2 at Jamioulx. There was just 1 at Arlon and Dinant.
The minister puts these figures in perspective. He says that the “conflict and aggression management policy in penitentiary establishments has existed for several years, and it has always been positively reviewed”.
(Source: Belga)
