Brussels: Belgium's prison population increased by 21% between 2023 and 2025, according to the annual report of the Central Prison Monitoring Council (CCSP), published on Monday. The report stated that the number of inmates rose from 11,053 to 13,363 over the period, with the overcrowding rate reaching 19.27% at the end of 2025.

According to Anadolu Agency, the CCSP highlighted that the overcrowding has reached proportions akin to a humanitarian crisis. Pieter Houbey, vice-president of the CCSP, emphasized the severity of the situation, describing it as 'catastrophic.' The report further detailed how overcrowding has resulted in worsening detention conditions, increased tensions, and operational difficulties within prisons.

The report also pointed out the impact on prison staff, who are experiencing sustained pressure due to the strained system. The CCSP noted that while there has been a slight increase in prison capacity, it has not kept pace with the rising number of inmates. In recent months, some prisoners have had to sleep on mattresses on the floor, with April seeing 763 detainees in such conditions, marking a new high.

Despite measures announced in 2025, the situation continues to worsen. The CCSP has called for a legal limit on prison capacity and a ban on detainees sleeping on mattresses on the floor. Additionally, the director of Haren prison, Jurgen Van Poecke, announced on May 11 that he would step down at the end of the month, amid these ongoing challenges.

The report's release follows a general strike by prison staff last week, which was prompted by concerns over overcrowding and workload.