While the doors of Forest prison were permanently closed on Friday, the last detainees were transferred to the brand new Haren prison in the followingnoon, said the office of Minister of Justice Vincent Van Quickenborne. The vast majority of Forest prison staff moved with them and took up their duties in Haren. The others were committed to the prison of Saint-Gilles.
“Forest prison was totally dilapidated and the prisoners had to live there in degrading conditions. It was not a pleasant working environment for the staff either”recall Vincent Van Quickenborne.
“Prisons are not just regarding punishing people, but also regarding preparing them for successful reintegration into our society following their release.” The transfers from Forest, which concern a total of 126 detainees, have been underway for several days.
1,144 spaces in Haren
On Friday, the last round trips were made to transfer the remaining 44 detainees. Their personal effects were transported by truck. Depending on their profile, prisoners are placed in one of the six living units already operational. The commissioning of the Haren prison, which opened at the end of September, is indeed being done in stages.
Haren has 1,144 places and should eventually completely replace the prisons of Berkendael, Forest and Saint-Gilles. The women detained at Berkendael were already transferred to Haren last week. The transfer of Saint-Gilles prison will begin soon.