The De Wever government has submitted a draft law aimed at more strictly monitoring and punishing prisoners in the country, including those under electronic surveillance, reports Sudinfo on Saturday.
Firstly, Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden plans to criminalise prison escapes, with offenders facing a potential prison sentence of 6 months to 3 years, as well as the tampering with electronic surveillance equipment carrying the same penalty. Currently, a prisoner who escapes does not commit a “crime” and cannot be prosecuted unless another offence is committed.
Another key aspect of the draft law is the establishment of a legal framework to allow prison authorities to conduct drug tests within Belgian prisons.
The draft law will be reviewed in the Chamber after the parliamentary recess. The government hopes it will come into effect no later than 1 May 2026.
