Belgium’s overcrowded prisons now threaten justice and basic human rights standards. Council of Europe reports detainees risk inhuman, degrading treatment inside prisons frequently.
Living spaces are shrinking, with more prisoners sleeping on floors than before.
Work conditions, access to healthcare, and activities have significantly worsened for inmates. Staff shortages undermine minimum legally required services, worsening during frequent strike days.
Physical and verbal abuse complaints by prison staff and police increasingly alarm authorities recently. Authorities consider electronic monitoring, new penal codes, and record-keeping reforms for improvement.