Vught jailer on "compulsory leave" after incident with inmate

An employee working at the Vught penitentiary was placed on "compulsory leave" after an incident with a prisoner a few weeks ago, Jaap Oosterveer, spokesperson for the Ministry of Security and Justice, confirmed to newspaper AD. He stressed that the employee was not suspended, but the incident is being investigated.

An anonymous source told Omroep Brabant that the employee kicked a prisoner in the head.

According to Oosterveer, staff reported the incident to the prison management, who launched an investigation. "Until this investigation is completed, the person involved will stay home", he said to AD. According to him, this is standard procedure during an investigation.

Oosterveer could not comment on exactly what happened, but did say that no serious injuries were reported and the prisoner hasn't pressed charges. Another employee, who saw the incident and did not report it, was also sent home, but is now back at work. There is also an investigation against him.

Both employees could face consequences, depending on the outcome of the investigations. "But that is just speculation", Oosterveer said.