Brussels public prosecutor’s office opens investigation into incidents in Sint-Gillis prison

On February 7, five detainees allegedly forced a prisoner to anally insert packages of drugs that had been thrown over the wall during the walk. They allegedly pushed the man to the ground and used a bottle to introduce the drugs. On February 13, the same five allegedly threatened another detainee so that he brought in drugs himself.

A staff member who was aware of the first incident but took no action was relieved of duty, but the police were not notified until two weeks after the incident. However, the public prosecutor’s office was not informed by the management.

“Following several articles that appeared in the press last week about abuse in the prison of Sint-Gillis, the public prosecutor’s office contacted the prison to inquire about the situation,” says public prosecutor’s office spokesperson Willemien Baert. “The prison management has informed the public prosecutor’s office that it has started an internal investigation after becoming aware of the two incidents.”

“As the Public Prosecution Service, the public prosecutor’s office has requested the prison to report the facts as quickly as possible,” the spokesperson continues. “At this time, no complaint has been filed by one or more victims. However, the public prosecutor’s office has decided to initiate an investigation to determine the precise circumstances of those facts and identify the perpetrator(s).”