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Around 10:30 am on Wednesday, detainee MG (25) went to the women’s unit of Bruges Prison to be examined by a doctor. She had something on her foot and was asked to take off her shoes. But when the doctor went to the computer to enter the diagnosis, MG jumped up and, for no reason, tried to strangle the nurse present with her shoelaces. The doctor and the prison guards in the corridor immediately raised the alarm.
The third time
“Colleagues quickly intervened,” explains ACOD union representative Sandra Droissaert, who was working in the women’s unit when the incident occurred. “The detainee let go but then started throwing chairs, laptops, reflex hammers and other medical equipment at nurses and doctors. A colleague jumped in front of the victim to protect them. Eventually, the detainee was subdued.”
After the incident, MG was put in the guardhouse. “She can stay there for a maximum of nine days,” Sandra Drusat continued. “We have asked to transfer her to another women’s prison, because this woman must never return to the unit. This is the third time in a row that she has been violent towards prison staff. Always without any reason. She reacts very violently to the uniform. It is no longer possible for us to work with her. In any case, she must be removed from the institution.”
Sunday Regimen
Following the incident, women’s unit staff, in consultation with management and the union, adopted a Sunday regime for the rest of the day. “This meant that prisoners could only leave their cells for meals or walks. The workhouse was closed and visitors were not allowed in. We briefly considered switching to a night regimen. But the weather was good and the detainees did not want to deprive them of their walks. Whether we took further action would depend on whether the woman could possibly be transferred. This incident made a lasting impression on staff and other detainees.”
MG is currently in custody for a serious violent crime. She allegedly pointed a gun at a police officer. Since the Council Chamber has now referred her to the Criminal Court (the case will be heard on September 23), it will be up to the prosecutor to decide whether to transfer her. “We hope that when she is allowed to leave the secure cell, she will have been moved. Due to her aggressive nature, special security measures have been taken against her. For example, she cannot attend events. The management drew up a report on the facts in the doctor’s office, so normally these facts would be discussed in court.”
Nursing shortage
There are currently 110 women in the women’s unit at Bruges Prison. “About 20 of them are already incarcerated,” says Sandra Droissaert. “Many other women also suffer from serious psychological problems. We have been dealing with this problem for years. In addition, the women’s unit is facing a shortage of nurses. The victim was a nurse who usually works only with detainees. But because we had no regular nurses for the entire summer, she worked two that day. She was very loyal and well-liked by the staff and detainees.”
The 28-year-old victim, who had worked as a nurse at the prison for four years, was not injured but was in a state of severe shock. She received the necessary care and has now been unable to work for five days.
The prison service is talking about a serious incident. “Our staff were immediately able to intervene very quickly and assist the doctor and nurse,” it said. “The nurse’s life is not in danger and she is now in good care of the nursing team.”
Savings
“I reported the danger posed by this lady to prison management on Monday following an incident with a detainee,” said union representative Peter Milkam (ACV). “She hears voices and talks to imaginary people. She is a greater risk than the trainee ladies in the unit. But we can only provide psychiatric care during office hours.”
“I admire the efforts of the correctional officers who have volunteered to work with these individuals and seek relief. They have done a very good job,” Millerkam said. “But I don’t think the situation will improve immediately because when it comes to savings, we are certain.”
Lawyer’s response
“The fact that my client is in prison is a tragedy,” said Thomas Vandemeulebroucke, a lawyer for the detainees involved in the case. “She is a young woman with a serious personality disorder who is in desperate need of help. She does not belong in prison at all because she will not get the right help there.”
The lawyer asked the Council Chamber to end pretrial detention if certain conditions, such as psychiatric hospitalization, were met. “But the Council Chamber rejected my request. However, my client has been known to the police for years for her absurd and psychotic behavior. The fact that she is in prison is very bad and goes against my sense of justice. Of course, you will see how it turns out.”
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