Belgium’s prisons have surpassed 13,000 inmates for the first time. Overcrowding has left hundreds sleeping on the floor, while thousands of short-term offenders wait for a place. In response, officials are calling for emergency measures, including expanded electronic monitoring and early releases.

Belgium’s prison population has reached an all-time high of 13,018 inmates, according to De Standaard, with 267 prisoners forced to sleep on the floor due to severe overcrowding. Around 3,400 short-term offenders remain on a waiting list for a prison place, while 713 inmates have been released early under extended parole measures to free up space.

Prison authorities warn the situation has reached a humanitarian crisis, with severe staff shortages and growing security concerns. In a letter to prime minister Bart De Wever, the prison administration has requested urgent talks, additional funding, and temporary emergency legislation. 

Proposed measures include expanding electronic monitoring for sentences under three years and granting early release to those with less than six months remaining.

Electronic tags

Meanwhile, Flemish Justice minister Zuhal Demir has announced plans to introduce 4,000 additional electronic tags over the next 2.5 years to ease pressure on prisons. Demir insisted this is a temporary solution and urged the federal government to invest in new prison capacity and ensure the deportation of foreign inmates.

The crisis has put a lot of pressure on prison personnel. Various strikes have taken place over the past year. Trade unions have scheduled another strike for Thursday.