Five Arrested in Leuven-Central Over Prison Guard Threats

Sarhan Basem
Credit: VSOA

Leuven (Brussels Morning Newspaper) Police arrested five, including a minor, over threats to a Leuven-Central Prison guard after his car was set on fire. The staff struck for safety.

This morning, January 8, police conducted raids at multiple locations in Flanders and Brussels to investigate threats made against a prison guard from Leuven-Central Prison. Five individuals, including a minor, were taken into custody during the operation. The authorities are questioning them to determine their roles. A spokesperson, Anja De Schutter, mentioned that more investigation is needed to understand the suspects’ exact involvement. Tomorrow, on January 9, a judge will decide whether they should stay in custody.

What measures will be taken to ensure the safety of Leuven-Central prison staff after recent threats?

On November 23, someone set fire to the guard’s car outside his home in Heers and left a scary note in his mailbox, telling him to quit his job at the prison or face more trouble. Before this incident, the guard had already received verbal threats while working at Leuven-Central, according to the union. It has been said that these repeated threats show how worried people are about the safety of prison staff, especially those at high-stress places like Leuven-Central, a significant detention center in Belgium.

The recent threats against a prison guard have caused significant anger among prison staff, leading to a 24-hour strike on December 6 to demand better safety measures. Union representatives are calling for urgent improvements in protection, using the guard’s situation as a clear example of the risks they face daily. The investigation continues meanwhile, with the police trying to know why threats were made and the extent to which each of the accused was involved. A lot of informatiom remains unknown as to how these incidents are to be prevented in the future.

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Sarhan Basem is Brussels Morning's Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful commentary and in-depth coverage. Beyond the world of journalism, Sarhan is an avid traveler, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and enjoys unwinding with a good book or indulging in outdoor adventures whenever possible.
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