A citizens’ group in Liège has already garnered hundreds of signatures against the establishment of a detention centre in the area.
The city's mayor, Willy Demeyer, says he plans to discuss the matter with the Minister of Justice.
The Justice Ministry wants to enable short prison sentences, ranging from six months to two years, to be served in local detention centres. This plan was finalised under former Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne. Unlike conventional prisons, these small-scale institutions emphasise self-sufficiency, responsibility, and reintegration into society from day one.
Two such centres are already operational in Kortrijk and Vorst. One is scheduled for Antwerp after the summer of 2024, while others are planned in Olen, Zelzate, Ninove and Genk.
In Wallonia, the first centres are to be set up in Liège and at Jemeppe-sur-Sambre, at the site of the old gendarmerie barracks.
In the Liège area, the intention is to accommodate 50 to 60 detainees in the former Espace Belvaux Youth Hostel in Grivegnée. However, according to Mayor Demeyer, two prefabricated units first need to be set up on the site.
The federal government has yet to obtain the required permits, he disclosed on Monday evening.
