Due to the overcrowding of their own prisons, the Belgian government considers sending some prisoners to serve sentences in Kosovo.
Belgian news agency Belga reported that the government explores the possibility of renting or building a prison in that Balkan country for convicted persons without legal stay in Belgium. Kosovo already has a similar agreement with Denmark.
Belgian Minister of Justice Annelies Verinden and the Minister of Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt recently traveled to Kosovo for initial conversations.
Overcrowded prisons have long been a problem in Belgium. This year, a new law came into force that requires the courts to submit a detailed explanation for the imprisonment penalty.
Earth is missing about 2,000 prison sites.
Belgium was in 2014. The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHP) condemned due to inhumane prison conditions and has since confronted more criticism, including the Council of Europe.
According to Belgium, Kosovo is seeking the support of Belgium in its candidacy to join the EU. The country, which Serbia does not recognize, is a potential candidate for membership.
(Vijesti.ba/fena)
