World
Europe's prison overcrowding crisis: 'Like rats in a cage'
In Belgium and across Europe, prison overcrowding has reached alarming levels, with thousands of inmates sleeping on floor mattresses, lacking medical care, and facing rising violence. The crisis, fueled by post-pandemic surges and tough-on-crime policies, is prompting extreme measures, including discussions about renting cells from other countries. Critics warn that harsh conditions perpetuate recidivism and call for greater focus on rehabilitation.