News from detention centres – August/September 2024

A look back at the suicide attempt (127bis)

[TW self-harm]

On 11 August last, several inmates at the 127bis detention centre reported a suicide attempt*. The man in question allegedly cut his wrists in the toilets.

 “There was blood all over the corridor, it was awful.

All the inmates said they were extremely traumatised by the suicide attempt, and some are still struggling to get over it.

We were unable to contact this man, who had apparently been locked up for 2 days. However, we have learned from an association that the man was then transferred to the Merksplas detention centre after a stay in hospital, but that he has since been ‘dropped off’ at the Dutch border, under conditions that we do not know.

*https://www.gettingthevoiceout.org/centre-ferme-127bis-les-detenus-alertent-dune-tentative-de-suicide/

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Electric atmosphere (127bis)

This suicide attempt at 127bis took place against a backdrop of heightened tension and pervasive violence, which is still with us today.

The physical conditions of detention are becoming increasingly harsh. For several months now, various wings of the centre have been infested with bedbugs*. Members of staff have gone on strike because of the presence of bedbugs on their premises. It is obviously the inmates who will suffer the consequences of this strike: showers are limited and they are no longer allowed visits. However, they are also the first to suffer from the bedbug infestation and its poor treatment by the centre’s management.

Last month, several people also complained about the hygiene conditions: foul smells, dirt, etc. The inmates tell us:

• ‘Our living conditions are unbearable’

• ‘As well as being deprived of our freedom, we don’t want to leave here sick’,

*https://www.gettingthevoiceout.org/bedbugs-in-several-detention-centres-merksplas-bruges-127-bis/

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Violence and a climate of terror (Bruges)

We frequently hear reports of assaults by guards, who describe a climate of terror: the slightest event becomes a pretext for beatings, which have become an almost daily occurrence.

Prisoners feel that they have no rights whatsoever.

At the Bruges detention centre, a prisoner was beaten by a guard for no reason. Inmates tell us:

• “In general, several guards are violent and they hit. Many guards take advantage of their power. We risk our lives here. It’s not safe.

The inmates asked to speak to management but it was absent. A head of security told them to report back. To date, we do not know what the outcome will be.

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Further protests against the invasion of bedbugs (127bis)

A couple of weeks ago, inmates at 127bis took part in protests against the invasion of bedbugs. They ended up spending the night outside, denouncing the critical sanitary conditions*. One of them, considered to be a ‘leader’ of the resistance movements, was beaten up and taken to hospital. He was then placed in isolation on his return to the centre.

*https://www.gettingthevoiceout.org/critical-situation-at-127bis-detention-centre-inmates-spend-the-night-outside/

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Lengthy detentions

Several people are detained for long periods (up to 18 months). So-called administrative detentions are characterised by their unknown duration, extended from month to month, in particular because the Immigration Office appeals against release decisions granted by the Court. The detainees are therefore subject to decisions by the Immigration Office, either to release them (usually under an order to leave the territory), or to attempt forced deportation.

Recently, some of the detainees at 127bis told us about their distress. One man told us, after learning that his detention had been extended:

• “It’s unbearable. I can’t accept this. It all hurts. Things are going to get very tense here. The Office is going too far. It’s racism. They’re going to say I’m crazy, that’s what they say about anyone who complains.“

A fellow inmate in a similar situation also tells us:

• “It’s a total lack of respect because we’re ‘illegals’. It has to change. I don’t accept this system. The 2-person rooms are closed, and we all sleep in the 4-person rooms. They make us suffer on purpose. Then we get angry and go to the cells. That’s their strategy.”

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Abuse during a deportation attempt

At the end of August, a woman was subjected to an attempted eviction. Although she had suffered torture and other forms of violence in her country of origin, Belgium refused to recognise her fundamental right to asylum. An appeal has been lodged against the negative decision.

We have learned that, during the deportation attempt, this woman was stripped naked, before a superior put an end to the deportation attempt. She was then taken back to a detention centre.

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Still no information on death in Bruges

Ten days ago, inmates alerted us to a death at the Bruges detention centre. The man, a Georgian citizen, had arrived at the centre a week before his death. He suffered from diabetes and was not receiving adequate treatment. Officially, he died of a heart attack.

The Georgian embassy informs us that the deceased’s entire family is in Georgia. We still do not know whether the family has been contacted and informed of the death. Our thoughts are with them.

We learn that an investigation by the public prosecutor’s office is underway and that an examining magistrate has been appointed.

*https://www.gettingthevoiceout.org/a-new-case-of-death-this-time-at-the-bruges-detention-centre-prisoners-speak-out/