Luxembourg’s Uerschterhaff remand prison in Sanem is already in a capacity crisis, holding far more detainees than designed less than four years after opening. Deputy Director of the Prison Administration Caroline Lieffrig said the prison held 432 people in pre-trial detention in September, against an official capacity of 400. To cope, bunk beds were brought in so three people could share cells built for two, a situation she described as far from satisfactory. The prison is now holding 402 inmates, putting it at its upper limit. The Prison Administration is urgently exploring expansion options, warning that Uerschterhaff could reach breaking point again by next summer. Minister of Justice Elisabeth Margue linked much of the rise in the remand population to stepped-up police activity on drug offences and theft following a “drug round table”. State Prosecutor David Lentz rejected claims that September overcrowding was caused by court staff taking summer leave, saying remand decisions depend on the facts and evidence in each case and that the prosecution service works year-round. Prison officers say the strain is pushing the system beyond breaking. The President of the Prison Officers’ Association said there is not enough space for staff or inmates, explaining that adding a third person to a cell increases stress and tension and leaves staff with little time to meet detainees’ needs. He also said staffing is at a minimum. As a short-term measure, the Justice Ministry is considering reopening some units at Schrassig prison, which had previously been closed when Uerschterhaff opened. Margue said recruiting additional staff is part of the plan. She also described a long-term expansion proposal for Schrassig, aiming to raise capacity from around 450 to 672 inmates, with revised construction plans under review and potential phased work extending to 2040. Another option being weighed is expanding facilities at Givenich. Lieffrig said four modular buildings could be installed there, each taking 80 people for a total of 320, with the possibility of further expansion. However, Lentz stressed eligibility rules, saying Givenich is a transitional facility and that only certain prisoners qualify after time at Schrassig as part of reintegration, meaning many detainees do not meet the criteria. An MP and former justice minister called for better data on why so many people are held on remand, and suggested more use of semi-open facilities. An NGO representative argued that building more prisons is not the solution, pointing to tougher criminal law application under the current governing coalition. Margue said the government was elected to implement a new security policy with increased police presence and faster procedures, adding that overcrowding is also affecting prisons in neighbouring countries. The issue is still being addressed through expansion and operational adjustments as of now, with Uerschterhaff holding 402 detainees at the upper limit and proposals for Schrassig and Givenich under review.