World
December 23, 2024 14:00
tongeren - Two Polish inmates attempted to escape from the prison in Tongeren, Belgium, in a daring manner, only to be stopped by vigilant guards.
Two Polish inmates made a daring escape attempt from the prison in Tongeren, Belgium, during the night from Saturday to Sunday. However, their dramatic attempt was thwarted just in time because the alert prison guards had noticed them. The escape attempt took place in Belgium's oldest penitentiary institution, currently housing only male residents without legal status.
According to Het Nieuwsblad, the guards on night duty in Tongeren noticed something on the surveillance cameras of the complex. The cameras had recorded movements outside the cell walls. Upon reviewing the footage, they spotted someone standing on a flat roof. The guards immediately intervened and caught two Polish inmates who were about to flee. The escape plan bore the hallmarks of a classic movie scenario.
The two prisoners had meticulously prepared their escape plan and had to show great patience. The Polish men, serving sentences of 15 and 18 months, managed to create a hole in the prison wall, presumably using nothing more than a butter knife and a spoon.
They managed to exit the cell block in this way, but still found themselves within the prison walls. Their intention was to overcome the security measures and high outer wall using gathered laundry tied together, in a bid to reach the street, but they were stopped in their tracks while standing on the flat roof.
The Polish inmates found themselves trapped with no way out. The police had already been alerted at that point. They apprehended the two men within the walls of the Tongeren prison. During questioning, the Poles reportedly stated that they wanted to escape to spend the holidays with their families in Poland during Christmas.
A spokeswoman for the prison service confirmed the foiled escape attempt. "We can confirm that two Polish nationals attempted to escape from the penitentiary institution in Tongeren. Despite escaping from their cell, they remained within the prison complex due to the swift and decisive response of the staff," she said.
No further details about the circumstances were provided, but no one was injured. "No violence was used during the escape or the staff intervention. A disciplinary procedure has been initiated against the two Polish inmates, and for security reasons, they have been transferred to another prison," said Kathleen Van De Vijver.
The two Polish men will not face extended prison terms for the escape attempt, as it is not a criminal offense in Belgium. However, they could be punished for the damages caused to the prison during their attempted escape.