PRISON STAFF ACROSS BELGIUM STRIKE, CITE OVERCROWDING AND RISING VIOLENCE

Wed 13 May 2026:

Belgian prison workers staged a nationwide strike Monday, citing overcrowding, escalating violence, and excessive workloads, Belga News Agency reported.

The strike began at 6 am local time (0400GMT) after talks between trade unions and the office of Belgian Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden ended without agreement on measures to address overcrowding and prison conditions.

In a rare move, prison directors publicly supported the strike, describing the situation as “untenable.”

Mathilde Steenbergen, head of Belgium’s prison service, was expected to visit the strike picket at Lantin prison in support of staff.

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Belgian prisons reportedly hold 13,733 inmates despite an official capacity of 11,064, while 754 prisoners are reportedly sleeping on mattresses on the floor.

Trade unions warned that staff shortages and violence inside prisons are worsening and could intensify during the summer holiday period.

Prison authorities said the number of serious incidents in prisons had doubled over the past year, while absences linked to workplace injuries caused by aggression increased by more than 30% over the past two years.

The situation has also drawn criticism from the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture, which warned last month that prison overcrowding in Europe risks leading to “inhuman and degrading treatment.”

Increasing overcrowding in European prisons

As of early 2026, over one-third of European Union member states are grappling with critical prison overcrowding, with Eurostat data highlighting 14 countries operating over capacity and a 2% increase in inmate numbers. Cyprus (227.6%), Slovenia (134.2%), and France (129.3%) report the highest overcrowding rates, causing severe strain on infrastructure and rising safety concerns.

Persistent Crisis: Despite some fluctuations, overcrowding remains a structural crisis, with the overall EU inmate population rising by nearly 10% since 2020.
Highest Occupancy Rates (2024 data):
- - Cyprus: 227.6%
  - Slovenia: 134.2%
  - France: 129.3%
  - Belgium: Reported serious issues, with 754 inmates sleeping on mattresses on the floor as of May 2026.
Lowest Occupancy Rates (2024 data): Estonia (49.9%), Lithuania (67.0%), and Luxembourg (67.4%).
Staff Impacts: Severe overcrowding has sparked staff strikes, notably in Belgium (May 2026) and France (April 2026), citing safety risks and “untenable” conditions.

Causes and Consequences

Driving Factors: High rates of pre-trial detention and the use of prison for minor, petty offences are cited as primary factors, rather than just rising delinquency.
Human Rights Concerns: Overcrowding often violates fundamental rights, leading to lack of privacy, increased violence, and poor health conditions.
Rehabilitation Issues: Crowded conditions severely hamper rehabilitation efforts and social reintegration.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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