Belgian prison staff launch five-day strike over overcrowding, safety

Staff at prisons across Belgium have begun a five-day strike in protest against overcrowding, staff shortages and safety concerns.

The strike, which began yesterday evening following a call by several Belgian trade unions, will continue until the evening of September 11, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

During the strike, prisoners in all of the country's prisons will receive only basic services, including security, food distribution and medical care.

If there are not enough staff to maintain the minimum level of services, some prison workers may be required to report for duty.

The unions are calling for prison overcrowding to be reduced, staff shortages to be addressed, accumulated leave to be taken as soon as possible, outdated and inadequate infrastructure to be modernised, and security measures to be strengthened.

By Aghakazim Guliyev