Where Will Duterte Be Detained? A Look Inside the ICC
ICC DETENTION FACILITY – Former President Rodrigo Duterte may be detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) following his arrest on March 11, 2025. Several detention facilities under the ICC could house him during his trial, which is expected to be a lengthy process.
According to images from the ICC’s official website, the detention facility is fully equipped to ensure the welfare of detainees. A local newspaper reported that 21 individuals from different countries have been detained and brought before the ICC, with seven of them passing away while in custody.
Attorney Kristina Conti, assistant to the counsel for the ICC, explained in an interview with TeleRadyo that Duterte’s trial could take approximately eight years. She noted that previous ICC trials have lasted up to 10 years. Conti emphasized that the legal process is lengthy, warning those expecting immediate hearings that proceedings will take time.
Unlike regular prisons, the ICC detention facility provides detainees with better living conditions. Each detention room includes a bed, sink, toilet, and table. The facility also has a library and a spiritual room, allowing detainees to practice their faith. Computers with case-related materials are accessible for legal reference.
To support detainees’ physical well-being, the ICC provides a gymnasium for exercise and medical facilities to monitor their health. Additionally, detainees are allowed to cook their own food using ingredients purchased from an approved shopping list. A communal area is also available for social interaction.
On the night of March 11, Duterte was transported to The Hague, Netherlands, where his trial for crimes against humanity will commence. His plane landed at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai at 8:03 AM on Wednesday, March 12, for a layover. After a brief stop of just over an hour, he is set to continue his journey to Rotterdam Airport in The Hague.
