This experiment also allows the prison staff to orient themselves in the new prison, which is scheduled to open on September 30.

"On the one hand, the prison staff can prepare for the effective opening of the prison, and on the other hand, the judges will have an idea of ​​the daily life of the prisoners and the functioning of the prison," emphasizes the Minister of Justice Vincent Van Quickenborn.

"This will undoubtedly help them assess whether imprisonment is the best decision for a person who has made a mistake."

Judges of criminal courts, investigators, prosecutors and judicial interns remained in prison until noon on Sunday.

The conditions of their detention are the same as those of ordinary detainees, the Ministry assures.

During this period, they cannot use a mobile phone, but they have the opportunity to meet with their relatives, like real prisoners.

Judges follow the usual daily schedule of prisoners, eat the same food and have the same mandatory classes.

They will also be busy in the kitchen and laundry.

And at 22.00 they turn off the light.

If such immersion in the prison world becomes unbearable for one of the participants, he can end it with the word "terminus".

Secure communication


with our editors.

HERE