Number of Prisoners Sleeping on Floors Rises in Belgian Prisons
Despite emergency legislation, overcrowding forces hundreds of inmates to sleep on mattresses placed directly on the floor across Belgium's prison system.
Belgium is facing a worsening crisis in its prison system as the number of inmates forced to sleep on the floor continues to grow. According to recent data from the Penal Administration, there are currently 326 prisoners in the country who have no choice but to rest on mattresses laid directly on the ground. This marks an increase of 24 individuals compared to mid-September, highlighting the ongoing challenge of overcrowded facilities.
In the Walloon Region, 90 prisoners are affected, with the largest numbers reported in Marche Prison, where 23 inmates sleep on the floor, and Mons Prison, housing 17 in these conditions. The situation is even more pronounced in the Flemish Region, where 236 inmates are spread across ten different facilities. Among them, Antwerp Prison has 64, Ghent 34, and Dendermonde 33 prisoners without beds.
Authorities brought emergency laws into effect to tackle the crisis, but prison overcrowding remains a significant issue throughout the country. Since September 15, the total inmate population has increased by 77, while there has been only a minor reduction of 29 in those under temporary conditional release. According to the Central Prison Monitoring Council (CCSP), the overall prison population in Belgium has now surpassed 13,000 as of July 17, 2025, putting further strain on the system.
