Rodrigo Duterte’s first night in The Hague prison

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will stay in The International Criminal Court's standard detention cell (left). ICC

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte spent his first night in the Scheveningen Prison, the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) detention facility, following his extradition to The Hague. Duterte, who turns 80 this month, is facing charges of crimes against humanity over his administration’s controversial war on drugs. Duterte’s transfer to the detention center on Wednesday evening (March 12) was met with protests from his supporters, who gathered outside the ICC, waving Philippine flags and chanting, "Bring him back!" Security was tight as he was driven through the imposing iron gates of the facility.

Inside the ICC detention center

Scheveningen Prison, where Duterte is being held, was once a Nazi prison complex. Now, it serves as the ICC’s detention center for individuals awaiting trial. Detainees are provided with private cells equipped with a bed, desk, television, and intercom system. They also have access to a library, computers, sports facilities, and a communal area with a foosball table and kitchen. Duterte can prepare his own food using a shopping list provided by the facility if he is unsatisfied with the meals. Detainees have access to medical care, legal counsel, and visitors.

Duterte’s first court appearance

Duterte is expected to make his initial court appearance “in due course,” during which he will confirm his identity, choose a language for the proceedings, and acknowledge the charges against him, according to the ICC. This will be followed by a confirmation of charges hearing, where ICC judges will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. If the charges are confirmed, the trial could take months or even years before reaching a final verdict. If convicted, Duterte will not serve his sentence at Scheveningen but will be transferred to a designated prison in another country. Duterte’s extradition marks a historic moment, as he is the first Asian former head of state to be indicted by the ICC. His arrest came after years of controversy surrounding his anti-drug campaign, which led to thousands of extrajudicial killings. Official figures place the death toll at 6,000, but human rights organizations estimate the actual number to be in the tens of thousands. Duterte repeatedly defended his campaign, stating it was necessary to eradicate crime. However, critics argue it disproportionately targeted the urban poor and enabled police abuses. His arrest followed a dramatic shift in the Philippine government’s stance. Initially, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. dismissed the idea of cooperating with the ICC. However, political tensions between Marcos and the Duterte family have escalated in recent months, leading to speculation that Duterte’s extradition was politically motivated.

Sara Duterte in The Hague

Vice President Sara Duterte has flown to The Hague to visit her father. She left Manila early Wednesday on a flight to Amsterdam and is expected to meet with Duterte’s legal team before attempting to gain access to him. "I sincerely thank all Filipinos who have sent messages, support, and prayers for PRRD, for me, and for our entire family as we face this intense political challenge," she said in a statement in Filipino. The Vice President also expressed gratitude to Filipinos working in Dubai, UAE, for assisting her and her father during their journey to the Netherlands.

What happens next?

The ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber will now determine whether the case against Duterte will proceed to trial. Possible outcomes include dismissing the charges if evidence is deemed insufficient, requesting additional investigation before confirming charges, or proceeding to trial if charges are confirmed. Should the trial move forward, it will be held in The Hague with Duterte required to be present. If convicted, his sentence will be served in a designated ICC-member state. As the former president awaits his fate, the political landscape in the Philippines remains deeply divided, with supporters calling for his return to the Philippines and human rights advocates urging accountability. CAM/ICA/Expat Media