HasseltIn the Hasselt prison this morning, a detainee went crazy when he was escorted to the shower. A guard was seriously injured in the head and was taken to hospital. The aggressor already had a reputation.
It was during the morning shift that the detainee, for an unknown reason, lashed out at one of the guards. According to director Paul Dauwe, there was initially little going on. “As always, the three guards went to get the man in question from his department to accompany him to the shower,” says Dauwse.
“I have spoken to those involved, and there is no indication of a reason. For unknown reasons, the man suddenly lashed out and gave the jailer a heavy headbutt. He sustained serious facial injuries.” This includes loose teeth. The man is also said to have a psychiatric history and has a reputation for being aggressive.
40 years of experience
“Even during the overpowering, other guards were slightly injured. It is heartbreaking for everyone that this is happening, and we especially sympathize with the victim. This is someone with 40 years of experience. The people in the Hasselt prison are doing their very best, and we get a lot of respect back from inmates. We also get more aggressive cases transferred from other Belgian prisons more often, precisely because of our approach, but also because of the modern accommodation with better security.”
It is inevitable that this will happen, but it is hard. “The man in question will be transferred to another prison as soon as possible, so that our staff can experience the necessary rest again. We are evaluating this further.”
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