Despite an additional 300 beds, prisons in Flanders still have 209 inmates sleeping on the floor due to a lack of capacity, Spokesperson Kathleen Van De Vijver told Belga on Thursday. On 22 December, the total number of detainees was 11,199 while the capacity is 9,739.
Overcrowding in Belgian prisons is not a new phenomenon and 2022 did not ease the burden, with 11,199 inmates counted this year compared to 10,781 by the end of December 2021.
"The prisons are still struggling with a large influx," Van De Vijver said. "We have added 300 beds, but we still count 209 ground sleepers in Flemish prisons."
"The number of people in pre-trial detention has increased enormously," added Van De Vijver, stating that this is a big reason for the situation. "It was not a good year for prisons, and the staff strikes do little to help."
Creating more room
Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne has taken a number of measures to combat the overcrowding of Flemish prisons. A new prison was opened in Haren and the opening of the new prison in Dendermonde is scheduled for February.
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A first detention house was opened in Kortrijk and several more will follow. "The result of these efforts is not immediately felt in the figures, that takes time, but we are hopeful for the future," Van de Vijver said.
