In a staggering turn of events, the Brussels-Haren “mega-prison,” once touted as the solution to Belgium’s prison overcrowding crisis, has fallen short of its promises, sparking outrage and urgent calls for action.
Since its inauguration with much fanfare in 2022, the facility has been marred by reports of inhumane conditions, staff shortages, and a series of alarming incidents.
The latest internal review, conducted by the Haren Observatory and the Public Services for Prisons (CSC), has revealed a grim reality within the walls of the supposedly state-of-the-art institution.
Shockingly, within just 500 days of its official opening, the prison has witnessed three assaults on prison officers, one suicide attempt, three deaths, and two cell fires.
These damning findings paint a picture of a facility in crisis, with severe implications for both staff and inmates alike. Originally conceived as a beacon of reform, the 1,190-bed facility was intended to alleviate Belgium’s chronic prison overcrowding and provide a more humane approach to detention.
However, instead of progress, what has unfolded is a vicious cycle of neglect and mismanagement. Concerns first arose just two months after the arrival of the first inmates, with reports emerging of the excessive use of punishment and isolation cells, as well as restraint beds.
Despite these early warnings, the government persisted in presenting the Brussels-Haren facility as the pinnacle of Belgian prison infrastructure while reports of deteriorating conditions continued to surface.
In a tragic incident in March 2023, inmates were poisoned following a fire in a cell due to inadequate placement of smoke extractors. Staff shortages compounded the crisis, leading to overworked prison officers struggling to maintain order and safety within the facility.
The latest report underscores the severity of the situation, citing another fire, police intervention to return an inmate to his cell, and several additional deaths.
Moreover, the prison is plagued by numerous technical issues, including malfunctioning door handles, cold cell temperatures, and non-operational workshop rooms. The breakdown of the air extraction system for almost a year has also led to respiratory problems among inmates and staff.
The overcrowding crisis exacerbates these challenges, with two-person cells being fitted with additional bedding, further deteriorating living conditions.
As if the situation weren’t dire enough, the impending departure of a portion of the staff, along with the transfer of psychiatric patients from Saint-Gilles Prison, threatens to worsen the already understaffed and overwhelmed workforce.
In response to these alarming revelations, both the Haren Observatory and the CSC have issued a plea to Minister of Justice Paul Van Tigchelt and the Brussels Regional Government to take immediate action.
Urgent measures are needed to address the systemic failures and restore dignity and safety to those within the confines of the Brussels-Haren prison.
As the crisis deepens and public outcry mounts, questions loom over the fate of Belgium’s prison system. Will the authorities heed the calls for reform and accountability, or will the Brussels-Haren mega-prison remain a symbol of broken promises and institutional neglect?
Only time will tell as the nation grapples with the urgent need for change in its approach to incarceration.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
