‘Hague Hilton’: Inside the detention centre of Duterte

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, the ertswhile most popular Philippine leader, is currently detained at the United Nations Detention Unit (UNDU) within the Scheveningen prison complex near The Hague, Netherlands. 

This facility is the official ICC detention centre, often referred to as the “Hague Hilton".

Duterte, 79, was extradited to the Hague on March 11 following his arrest in the Manila.

He was handed over upon the issuance of a warrant of arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the reported thousands of victims of his "war on drugs" campaign.

The UNDU is designed to prioritise the dignity and well-being of its detainees. 

Each inmate is housed in a spacious cell measuring about 10 sqm, equipped with en-suite facilities, including a shower and lavatory.

The cells also feature a radio and access to cable television, ensuring detainees can stay informed and entertained, as per the UK’s Times.

Beyond the individual cells, the facility offers communal areas where detainees can interact during the day.

These spaces include a library stocked with various reading materials and a gymnasium to promote physical health. 

Additionally, there are provisions for family visits, including private rooms designated for conjugal visits, underscoring the institution's commitment to maintaining family bonds.

Detainees at the UNDU experience a degree of autonomy uncommon in many correctional facilities. 

Cells are unlocked for most of the day, allowing inmates to move freely within their designated areas. Communal hallways are equipped with coffee makers and cooking facilities, enabling detainees to prepare meals that cater to their cultural and dietary preferences. 

This flexibility not only fosters a sense of normalcy but also encourages personal responsibility.

Recognising the challenges of confinement, the facility provides various activities to mitigate boredom and promote mental well-being, as per Reuters. 

Detainees have access to educational courses, recreational activities, and spiritual services, ensuring a holistic approach to their rehabilitation and daily life.

Tim McFadden, former director of the UNDU, described boredom as the most significant challenge for detainees. “Time is the greatest enemy,” McFadden said, emphasising that meaningful activities are crucial to maintaining mental well-being.

While the UNDU emphasizes humane treatment, it maintains stringent security protocols to ensure the safety of both detainees and staff. 

Transport routes to and from the International Criminal Court (ICC) are varied daily to prevent potential security threats, reflecting the facility's proactive approach to security.

As of recent reports, Duterte is among a limited number of detainees at the UNDU. The facility currently houses five other prisoners, including former Kosovar president Hashim Thaci and four African militia leaders. 

However, these individuals are expected to be transferred to other prisons soon, potentially leaving Duterte being the lone occupant of the “Hague Hilton”.

The UN Detention Unit at Scheveningen prison offers a detention environment that balances security with humane living conditions.