What Lies Ahead for Rodrigo Duterte at The Hague?
RODRIGO DUTERTE – Former president Rodrigo Duterte is set to face a critical and uncertain chapter at The Hague, where he will confront the International Criminal Court’s legal proceedings related to charges of crimes against humanity stemming from his controversial war on drugs.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is set to arrive in The Hague, Netherlands, on Wednesday to face charges of crimes against humanity linked to his controversial war on drugs. After landing, Duterte will be taken to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) detention unit, where he will prepare for his initial appearance before the court’s judges. Here’s what lies ahead for Duterte:
Detention at the ICC
Duterte will be held at the ICC’s detention unit located in Scheveningen, a seaside suburb of The Hague. The facility is part of a Dutch prison and currently houses five other ICC detainees. High-profile figures from the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), including Slobodan Milosevic, Radovan Karadzic, and Ratko Mladic, were also held there.
The ICC ensures that detainees’ mental, physical, and spiritual well-being is maintained while respecting their cultural diversity. Each detainee is assigned an individual cell equipped with a bed, desk, shelves, a cupboard, toilet, hand basin, television, and computer (without internet) to work on their defense.
Prisoners have access to an outdoor exercise area and can participate in sports and recreation activities. Meals are provided three times a day, but detainees can also cook their own meals using groceries supplied by the court. Family and conjugal visits are permitted several times a year, with travel expenses covered by the court if the detainee is declared destitute.
Initial Appearance Before the Court
Under ICC rules, Duterte will have to appear before the Pre-Trial Chamber soon after his arrival. This initial hearing will confirm his identity and inform him of the charges brought against him. Duterte will also be advised of his rights under the Rome Statute, including the right to seek interim release.
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Confirmation of Charges
A confirmation of charges hearing will follow within a reasonable time frame. During this hearing, prosecutors must present sufficient evidence to convince judges that Duterte committed the alleged crimes. The court may either confirm the charges and proceed to trial, request more evidence, modify the charges, or dismiss them altogether.
If the charges are confirmed, a trial chamber will be formed to prepare and conduct the trial. Duterte’s legal battle at the ICC is expected to draw global attention as the case unfolds.