Belgian soldiers deployed to Walloon and Brussels prisons

The Belgian government has enlisted the help of the army to provide "additional humanitarian assistance" to prisons in Brussels and Wallonia, where prison personnel has been on strike for 12 days, Belgian media report.

The decision to use soldiers to replace the striking prison officers came from the federal inner cabinet. "This decision was necessary,” says prime minister Charles Michel in a statement. “For 12 days, and under very difficult conditions, the management of the prisons has fallen upon the shoulders of the directors, the employees willing to work, police, civil defence and members of the Red Cross.”

Justice minister Koen Geens (pictured) on Sunday said that he would consult with interior minister Jan Jambon and defence minister Steven Vandeput to ensure the proper distribution of the soldiers, which initially involves six platoons of 30 people.