Why are strangers flocking? Residents near ICC jail curious, puzzled
Supporters of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte demonstrate outside the prison at Scheveningen, in The Hague, Netherlands. REUTERS
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Belgisch Park and Duttendel are quintessential Dutch neighborhoods located in Scheveningen, on the outskirts of The Hague. Both are within biking or walking distance of the quieter stretch of the long beach. On typical days, residents can be seen walking their dogs, jogging, or biking to the dunes and beach, or hiking in the nearby forest.
In addition to Oranje Hotel, a memorial center and museum, these neighborhoods are home to one notable address: Pompstationsweg 32, the Penitentiaire Inrichting Haaglanden (Haaglanden Penitentiary Institution). This unique prison complex stands out in the Netherlands. According to the Department of Correctional Institutions’ official website, “this prison is the only one with a care center where prisoners who need care 24 hours a day stay. This can be physical care, but also psychiatric care. Or a combination of both.” The facility accommodates approximately 200 prisoners. It also serves as a detention center for suspects facing trial at the International Tribunals and the International Criminal Court (ICC).
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Since former President Rodrigo Duterte was brought here on March 12, following his arrest for alleged crimes against humanity at the ICC, Pompstationsweg 32 has transformed into an unexpected tourist destination. Supporters, some coming from Germany, Belgium, and the UK, visit daily to catch a glimpse of the expansive prison, often taking selfies and videos. Occasionally, they interact with Vice President Sara Duterte, who visits her father regularly. Duterte’s common-law partner, Honeylet Avanceña, and their daughter, Veronica, have also been seen outside the complex, along with Duterte allies Senator Robin Padilla and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.
Privacy
Like many prison complexes in the Netherlands, the Haaglanden Penitentiary is surrounded by houses on both sides.
Residents of these neighborhoods are surprised, curious, and wondering about the recent events. Marielle, a resident who preferred to remain anonymous, said that she was aware of the former president being detained in the building behind her house. While she understands that Duterte has many supporters despite being charged at the ICC, she feels her privacy is being compromised. Some visitors have knocked on her door asking to use the bathroom, while others have lingered on her front lawn.
Duterte supporters in front of the Haaglanden Penitentiary Institution in Scheveningen, The Hague, on March 29. The Filipino Correspondent Network
“I believe everyone has a right to gather peacefully,” she said in Dutch. However, she emphasized that it is not her responsibility—or her neighbors’—to adapt to the situation. “It is their (penitentiary authorities’) duty to provide facilities for the people who come here,” she added.
Marielle explained that the residents are not antisocial but simply wish to maintain their privacy and enjoy a quiet neighborhood.
READ: Rodrigo Duterte marks 80th birthday in ICC detention
Another neighbor, who chose to remain unnamed, often walks his dog in the area. One morning, he asked a visitor standing on his lawn whether the plastic bag lying on the grass belonged to her. He expressed concern about litter left behind by visitors picnicking on the grass. Otherwise, he is not bothered as long as people pass through quietly and avoid disturbing the neighborhood.
Lia, another Dutch resident, admitted to being both curious and surprised. “I don’t know what’s happening. All I know is the meneer (man) from the Philippines is inside,” she said. Lia mentioned reading about Duterte’s arrest in local media, but admitted she didn’t fully understand why people were passing by and staying outside the prison daily.
Supporters gather in front of the Haaglanden Penitentiary Institution during the 80th birthday of former president Duterte last March 28. The Filipino Correspondent Network
Gatherings
One notable gathering took place on March 28 to celebrate Duterte’s 80th birthday. Supporters organized a picnic with a mini-stage and speakers on a small, cordoned-off lawn near the penitentiary entrance, which faces residential houses. Two police cars were seen around the area.
Last Saturday, March 29, police arrived to remind Duterte’s supporters gathered on the grass to keep the area netjes (tidy). Using a megaphone, an officer addressed the crowd in Dutch: “Zorg dat de weg vrij blijft. Zorg dat de mensen in de omgeving geen last van u hebben. U mag hier staan, geen probleem, maar laten we het met zijn allen netjes houden (Make sure the road stays clear. Make sure the people in the area are not bothered by you. You can stand here, no problem, but let’s all keep it tidy.)”
READ: Where Duterte awaits trial: A look at the ICC detention center
For their part, supporters and organizers ensured they stayed within the designated space and kept the premises clean. Organizers kept reminding everyone to follow the rules.
Vice President Duterte and one of the lawyers for her father had also asked their supporters to refrain from taking photos and videos of the prison entrance and the houses around due to privacy issues, where staff and visitors coming in and out might be caught on camera.
There had been demonstrations outside the penitentiary by the Serbian diaspora during the trial of former Serbian President Slobodan Milošević, who was arrested in 2001 and charged with genocide and crimes against humanity. Milošević died in Scheveningen prison in 2006 before his trial at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) concluded. Those demonstrations were sporadic and small, unlike the daily gatherings and picnic-style events the neighbors now observe from Duterte’s supporters.
