Since 1867, the Arlon prison has operated as a remand and sentencing facility. Inmates mainly come from Brussels, Liège, Charleroi and surrounding areas. As many foreigners do not have a valid residence permit, the flow of inmates in and out of the prison is very high. Built in 1967, Arlon prison is one of the oldest in the kingdom. Its original population was made up of male and female inmates, but the women's section was abolished in 1975. Since 1980, major works have been undertaken to renovate the cell wings, and to create a sports hall, a courtyard and extensive workshops. A warehouse and laundry room were installed in the basement, and the facades were completely renovated. In 1998, the auditorium was converted into six premises for inmate vocational training, and the following year an access control system was installed at the prison entrance. Arlon prison operates a closed, solitary confinement system, with all inmates eating in their cells. Only inmates on work release benefit from a special evening regime, enabling them to keep the doors open every day of the week. The Arlon prison is both a remand centre serving the judicial districts of Arlon and Neufchâteau, and a house of punishment. All sentence categories are represented in the population housed at Arlon. The majority of convicted prisoners come from the Brussels, Liège and Charleroi regions.
source: justice.belgium.be
