Belgian defense minister signals possible military deployment as prison overcrowding deepens

BRUSSELS

Belgium's Defense Minister Theo Francken said Wednesday he is not ruling out deploying soldiers to help guard prisoners amid worsening overcrowding in the country's prisons, describing the situation as “untenable.”

“Soldiers are not prison guards, but this situation is untenable,” Francken said, adding that he would consult Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden on possible measures, Flemish-language daily Het Nieuwsblad reported.

His remarks followed a warning by Director General of Prisons Mathilde Steenbergen that the number of inmates sleeping on mattresses on the floor has once again exceeded 600, calling the situation unsustainable.

Steenbergen said exceptional steps may be required, including the temporary deployment of police or military personnel to guard inmates sleeping on the ground to ease pressure on prison staff.

Belgium has been grappling with chronic prison overcrowding for months, with authorities struggling to find structural solutions.

“Overcrowding is a major problem. And I believe that prisoners should be punished humanely,” Francken said.

He added that the defense ministry already has “its hands full,” but pledged to consult with Minister Verlinden on the matter.