Belgian Inmates to File Class Action Over Poor Living Conditions

Brussels correctional facilities' inmates intend to sue a class action against the Belgian authorities due to harsh living conditions, a local law firm said Thursday.

BRUSSELS (Sputnik) — Inmates of correctional facilities in Brussels and the Belgian region of Wallonia intend to file a class action against the Belgian authorities due to a sharp deterioration in their living conditions caused by the ongoing prison guards strike, a local law firm said Thursday.

According to Arnauts law firm, the exact number of prisoners who will join the lawsuit is yet unknown, as its office continues to receive phone calls from inmates.

Prison guards in Belgium have been on strike for 24 days in a stand against an increase in the retirement age and staff shortage issues that have led to extra shifts.

As a result of the strike, inmates have been deprived of regular access to showers, walks and phone calls, which has led to riots and several suicide attempts.

In recent weeks, courts have ordered Belgium to pay fines of up to 10,000 euros (some $11,300) over the deteriorating detention conditions.