Andenne, Belgium – A female warden at Walloon Andenne prison was violently assaulted by an inmate on Saturday evening during a routine cell inspection.
Two colleagues who intervened to assist her were also attacked, resulting in all three officers being hospitalised. The incident was confirmed by Kathleen Van de Vijver, spokesperson for the prison administration, on Sunday.
Following the attack, the inmate responsible was immediately placed in a punishment cell. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the assailant or the specific injuries sustained by the prison staff.
The assault triggered immediate action from the prison workforce. On Sunday morning, a general assembly was held where staff members voted to implement night shift protocols throughout the day as a protective measure. Despite the heightened security concerns, visits to the prison will proceed as scheduled.
Growing Concerns Over Prison Safety
The violent incident at Andenne prison has reignited concerns over the deteriorating conditions in Belgium’s correctional facilities. Van de Vijver pointed out that the attack reflects broader systemic issues within the prison system.
“About ten staff members at Andenne prison, who have been victims of assaults, are currently unable to work,” she revealed. The growing number of injured personnel underscores the dangers faced by prison officers on a daily basis.
Van de Vijver stressed the urgent need for reforms to address these escalating challenges. “Increasing capacity alone will not solve these problems,” she said. “We ensure the safety of society, but it is essential that prisons do not become hazardous for both staff and inmates.”
Personnel and Financial Shortages Add to the Crisis
The spokesperson also highlighted a severe shortage of both personnel and financial resources as key factors exacerbating the situation.
Belgium’s prisons have long struggled with overcrowding, insufficient funding, and understaffing—conditions that have contributed to rising tensions within the system.
Correctional officers have repeatedly called for better working conditions and stronger security measures to prevent violent incidents like the one at Andenne.
The absence of adequate staffing not only puts prison staff at risk but also affects the rehabilitation and management of inmates, leading to an increasingly volatile environment.
The Belgian prison administration has yet to announce any immediate measures to address the concerns raised by staff members.
However, the recent attacks may push authorities to revisit longstanding demands for increased funding, improved security protocols, and better support systems for prison workers.
Ongoing Challenges and Calls for Reform
Prison staff across the country have voiced frustration over the lack of progress in addressing safety concerns.
The Belgian prison system has been criticized by unions and human rights organizations for its outdated infrastructure, insufficient staffing levels, and an increasing number of violent incidents.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the government will take decisive action to improve conditions in correctional facilities.
For now, the incident at Andenne prison serves as a stark reminder of the risks prison staff face daily and the urgent need for systemic reform to ensure their safety.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
