Security concerns have emerged at the new prison in Dendermonde, where cell doors have been reportedly opening uncontrollably at night. The issue, highlighted by the socialist union ACOD in early April, has raised serious questions about prisoner safety and staff working conditions.
- Socialistische vakbond ACOD klaagt gevangenisproblemen aan
- Nieuwe gevangenisceldeuren openen ongecontroleerd 's nachts
- Cijfers barricaderen deuren met houten paal
- Klinken binnen celdeuren tijdelijk verwijderd
- Maatregelen voorkomen zelf openen celdeuren
- Probleem speelt al meerdere maanden lang
Prison officers were forced to barricade cell doors with wooden poles as an immediate fix. Additionally, the door handles on the inside were removed to prevent detainees from opening their own cells. This situation has been ongoing for several months, as of 2025-05-05 13:18:00, causing unrest among staff and inmates alike.
What does this mean for the future of prison security in Belgium? And how will authorities address these critical safety flaws? The answers may shape the management of correctional facilities nationwide.
Why are these security lapses happening in a newly built prison? This situation highlights potential flaws in design or maintenance. It also prompts reflection on staff safety and prisoner management:
- Temporary barricades indicate urgent but inadequate solutions.
- Removing door handles inside cells limits prisoner autonomy but may affect dignity.
- Prolonged unresolved issues risk escalating tensions and security breaches.
Moving forward, it is crucial that prison officials implement lasting security measures and engage with unions to restore confidence. Will this incident lead to systemic changes in Belgium’s correctional facilities?
