On the 16th of December, at least 40 prisoners of the prison of Ghent have occupied the yard and refused to go back to their cells. The media said that order had been restored when policemen had guided the prisoners back to their cells, using "light coercion".
Nothing was mentioned about the reasons of the prisoners to occupy the yard. That the media only talks the language of those in power is once again very clear if we hear the information given by a prisoner who participated in the occupation. The prisoners of Ghent refuse the very strict rules and regulations of the prison and with their action, they wanted to denounce the arbitrary abuse of power and the mistreatments by the guards. They talk about a beating squad within the prison made by the guards.
After several threats, half of the prisoners went back to their cells. Some 20 prisoners continued occupying the yard during 6 hours, until 60 anti-riot cops beat them down with their sticks. The prisoners have been sanctioned. At least one prisoner will be put one month in isolation. He will receive only visits behind glass. He will not be able to go on the yard for 2 months. After the occupation of the yard in Merksplas on the 20th of November and in Dendermonde on the 26th of November, this time the prisoners of Ghent have made themselves heard. That their voice may resound loud.
Solidarity with prisoners in struggle!