Wortel prison chaos: 30 inmates refuse cells, set fire

Sarhan Basem
Credit: Belga

Wortel ( Brussels Morning Newspaper ) – A prison disturbance erupted at Wortel when inmates numbering about 30 people refused to go back to their cells, causing damage along with fire. 

Chaos erupted at Wortel prison because 30 inmates refused to enter their cells, and this resulted in damage while a fire started. Law enforcement arrived after prison authorities successfully negotiated with management to restore order in the building. Staff members throughout Belgian prisons protested against prisoner aggression by conducting a 24-hour strike while dealing with a recent attack on one of their guard’s residences.  

Law enforcement personnel, along with prison staff, held conversations with the detainees after they arrived in overwhelming numbers. When peace finally arrived, all inmates returned to their prison cells. The started fire received quick suppression. During this period, all prisoner activities remained in a state of quiet within the prison facilities. 

What caused Wartel prison chaos ? 

Staff working at Wortel prison proved the strike shows how prison workers face dangerous situations as they encounter prisoner violence inside the facility and get attacked outside the facilities, too.

The regime emerged as a reaction to growing staff safety threats after prisoners launched a Molotov cocktail attack on a guard’s house in Haren in the previous month. The prison camp at Wortel experienced acts of resistance from prisoners who exhibited upset attitudes towards inadequate prison provisions.

About Us

Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
Share This Article
Follow:
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.
The Brussels Morning Newspaper Logo

Subscribe for Latest Updates