Dutch gov't to close four prisons: report

The government is planning to close four prisons in the Netherlands, sources told newspaper AD. The prisons need to close because there are too many empty cells in the country, but this will also cause job losses for prison staff.

The prisons in Zoetermeer, Zeist, Almere and Zwaag are on the list to be closed, according to the newspaper. By choosing those prisons, the government hopes to save prisons outside the Randstad, where prison workers will have a harder time finding new work.

The Ministry of Security and Justice would not confirm these closures to RTL Nieuws. "The decision hasn't been made yet", a spokesperson said.

Minister Sander Dekker for Legal Protection said that he will inform parliament about his plans before summer recess, which starts in three weeks.