THE HAGUE — Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte may not be allowed regular family visits at the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) detention center over the Christmas holidays, as the facility will observe official court breaks on December 25 and 26, 2025, his legal counsel said.
Nicholas Kaufman, Duterte’s lead lawyer, confirmed that the Scheveningen Prison in The Hague typically suspends visits during court-declared holidays, making it likely that Duterte will spend Christmas inside his detention room unless special permission is granted.
“He wishes to spend Christmas with his family, as anyone would,” Kaufman said, adding that Duterte remains aware of his supporters outside the court who “respect the ICC and wouldn’t dream of interfering” with proceedings.
Kaufman encouraged Duterte’s supporters to send “flowers and presents” as they did during the former president’s birthday.
While spiritual visits, such as those from a priest or religious adviser, may still be allowed, Kaufman said regular family visits remain uncertain during the holiday break.
“On the actual Christmas Day and Boxing Day, these are official court holidays, so no visits are allowed at all,” he said. “We are going to try and change that… but I can’t be too optimistic.”
The statement comes after the ICC Appeals Chamber on November 28 rejected the defense’s plea for Duterte’s interim release, affirming a previous decision keeping him in detention as he awaits trial for crimes against humanity.
The judges also dismissed humanitarian arguments raised by the defense, including Duterte’s advanced age and alleged cognitive impairments.
Kaufman reiterated these concerns, saying, “He’s 80 years old. He’s cognitively impaired… We work with that man daily, and we find it extremely difficult because of the impediments he’s facing.”
In a separate interview, Duterte’s relative, Rep. Omar Duterte, said the family is still coordinating with authorities to finalize the holiday visitation schedule.