PI Vught, a Dutch prison that was once a Nazi concentration camp, operates with an 18-cell unit designed to be Europe's most secure facility. A former warden of the prison, identified as Yola Wanders, has provided insights into the operations of this high-security environment and the challenges of housing dangerous inmates, particularly terrorists. PI Vught's specialized unit, referred to as a 'Supermax,' is designed for extreme isolation.
Inside the Supermax Facility
Wanders, who managed the Supermax unit for over a decade, described the conditions and the nature of the inmates housed there. The prison features two high-security units, and its history dates back to its use as a Nazi concentration camp. The facility now functions as a prison with an 18-cell unit aimed at maintaining maximum security.
Within the Extreme Security Institution (EBI) at PI Vught, inmates are held in a state of isolation. Despite the restrictive environment, some forms of recreation are permitted, including sports twice a week, watching television, playing computer games, table tennis, and even cooking meals under strict supervision. Cells within the EBI are designed for maximum security, reflecting the nature of the individuals incarcerated.
Inmate Management and Controversies
The facility has housed individuals involved in organized crime and serious offenses. Before Wanders' tenure, a notable inmate was Turkish heroin drug lord Huseyin Baybasin, who sued the Dutch state over alleged harsh conditions during his five-year stay in the EBI. Prisoners at PI Vught have participated in programs aimed at addressing the harm caused by their behavior.
Wanders' perspective emphasizes the need for segregated units, particularly for terrorists, to prevent them from influencing other inmates or coordinating activities. The rationale is that terrorists pose a unique threat that warrants their isolation from the general prison population, even within a high-security setting.
