A 24-hour strike will begin in Belgian prisons from 22:00 on Sunday night to protest against aggression on prison staff, Belga News Agency reports.
Three recent cases of aggression have resulted in a 24-hour strike in Belgian prisons. In Heers, a car of a Leuven prison worker was set on fire, and a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the car of a worker at Haren prison. The home of another Haren prison worker was also targeted.
According to federal secretary Eddy De Smedt of the VSOA union, there will be a strike in all prisons in Belgium. A strike post will be set up at Haren prison.
Figures from the Prison Service show that almost all Flemish prisons may have staff shortages, while at least four prisons will be affected in Wallonia, De Smedt said.
"With the action, we want to send a signal that aggression against prison staff needs to be addressed both inside and outside the walls. There is a need for zero tolerance," the VSOA secretary said.
