A major uprising shook the prison in Turnhout, in the province of Antwerp, on Friday evening, the prison administration has confirmed.
Acts of vandalism and detainees setting fires inside the prison were reported, with penitentiary authorities quickly raising the alarm. Special police units were forced to intervene and were eventually able to restore calm for the night.
"Around 75 inmates refused to go back inside,” according to spokesperson Kathleen Van de Vijver. "They also caused damage. The police special intervention unit arrived on the scene to force the inmates back inside the buildings."
Turnhout Prison. Credit: Belga / Luc Claessen
The circumstances that led to this uprising are unclear, but according to prison administration sources the problems began at the end of time dedicated to spending time in the courtyard.
Prisoners were escorted out one by one during the police operation, which took place peacefully.
"Thanks to good cooperation between the police, emergency services and prison staff, all 75 inmates were back in their cells by midnight," explained Prison Service spokesperson Kathleen Van de Vijver.
She added that calm had completely returned to the prison, which had experienced an uneventful night. "The instigators of the movement have been placed in security cells pending disciplinary proceedings.
It is not yet clear why the inmates refused to return to their cells. "Management will hold a debriefing on the incident on Saturday morning and will conduct an investigation into the matter," the spokesperson added.
No injuries were reported in the aftermath.
