A detainee held in the Extra Beveiligde Inrichting (EBI) in Vught, the Netherlands' maximum-security prison for high-risk inmates, was prohibited from making phone calls to a relative for nearly a month, according to reports. The man has been detained since May 15, 2022, in the facility known for its stringent security measures.
The restriction, which lasted approximately 27 days, was reportedly imposed as a disciplinary or security measure, but it has sparked debate about the balance between security and the rights of detainees to maintain family contact. The EBI, located in the southern Netherlands, houses inmates considered to pose the highest escape risk or threat to society.
Dutch prison regulations typically allow inmates regular phone access, but restrictions can be applied under specific circumstances. The case came to light through legal proceedings or advocacy, highlighting the challenges faced by families of high-security detainees.
As of August 2026, no official statement has been released by the Dutch prison service regarding this specific incident, but it underscores ongoing discussions about humane treatment within the country's most secure facilities.
