Hasselt (Eurotoday Newspaper): Hasselt prison, meant for 450 inmates, now holds 623, causing food and living problems. Lawyer Michiel Van Kelecom has filed a complaint about the overcrowding situation.
The prison in Hasselt is designed for 450 inmates, but it currently holds 623 prisoners, which is 200 more than capacity. This overcrowding creates problems, especially since the budget is based on the official capacity. Lawyer Michiel Van Kelecom, who represents one of the inmates, says the food meant for 450 people is now shared among more prisoners, leading to smaller portions. This raises concerns about the nutrition of the inmate’s nutrition
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A formal complaint has been filed with the complaints committee, which is an independent group that reviews issues from inmates. The complaint points out the poor living conditions caused by overcrowding and the lack of resources for the number of prisoners. This situation highlights a larger problem of prison overcrowding in Belgium, where limited resources and bad living conditions are affecting both inmates and staff.
According to Kristof Muyters from the ACOD union, each prisoner usually gets about 4.90 euros for food, but because of overcrowding, it has dropped to around 3.50 euros. He notes that while there is enough food, it has to be shared more, and meals have changed from steak to cheaper options like hamburgers or sausages. However, prison spokesperson Kathleen Van De Vijver says there is enough food, although they have slightly reduced meat or fish portions from 175 grams to 150 grams, other food amounts remain the same.
Prisons have cut extras like chocolate and special meals because of budget limits. The daily food budget is now 4.93 euros, but prices are increasing. With over 600 prisoners in Hasselt, the budget changes every month. While inmates can buy snacks in the canteen, a lawyer is worried about overcrowding. He says the government’s plan is causing problems, as some prisoners are spending a month in jail and a month at home, making it hard for them to work and pay rent.
Comments
6 responses to “Overcrowding at Hasselt Prison: 623 Inmates Prompt Lawyer Michiel Van Kelecom to Highlight Nutrition Issues”
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Oh, brilliant, 623 inmates in a prison meant for 450—who needs a Michelin star when you can serve up gourmet “hamburgers” and “suspicious sausages” on a budget of 3.50 euros each? 🍔🇧🇪 Guess it’s a free-for-all at mealtime; just don’t expect to find the “fine dining” you might get at your average Brussels café! 😏
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Well, nothing says “luxury living” quite like being served sausage instead of steak in a prison designed for 450 but crammed with 623—who knew that overcrowding comes with a side of nutritional concerns? 🍽️😅 Guess they’re taking “survival of the fittest” to a whole new level!
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Well, who knew that the key to a balanced diet was actually sharing a plate with your 200 closest friends? 🍽️ Maybe we should just call it a “conjugal buffet” instead of a prison meal plan, eh? 😜
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Seems like Hasselt prison’s gone from an exclusive five-star dining experience to a budget-friendly “all-you-can-share” buffet. 🍔 Who knew overcrowding could turn steak nights into sausage specials? Talk about a downgrade! 😂
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Is this a prison or a budget hotel? 🤔 623 inmates squeezed into a place built for 450, and they’re complaining about *nutrition*? At this rate, the inmate gourmet meal will be instant noodles and a side of despair! 🍝💔
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Who knew that prison could double as a culinary disaster zone? 🍔 Next, they’ll be swapping out the porridge for a bowl of air and calling it haute cuisine! 🤷♂️
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