Arrested in The Hague: courts, institutions and the coast
The Hague hosts more international courts and organisations than any other city, and that produces a question no other Dutch city raises as often: whether a person enjoys immunity, and of what kind. Everything else follows the ordinary Dutch clock — nine hours, then up to three days.
The question that arises here
Staff of international organisations, diplomatic personnel and their families may hold immunities of very different scope: some absolute, some limited to official acts, some waivable by the organisation. It is not a defence to be asserted informally — it is established from the person's status and from the instrument that governs it.
Two mistakes recur. Assuming immunity covers private conduct, which for most categories it does not. And relying on it without notifying the organisation, which is the only body that can raise or waive it.
The Dutch clock, in short
Nine hours for questioning, up to three days on the prosecutor's order, then a judge on provisional detention. The full framework is in the guide for the Netherlands.
The rest of the caseload
- Scheveningen and the coast, where the summer season produces nightlife and public order cases.
- Demonstrations, which in a city of institutions are frequent and international.
- Theft accusations in the centre and around the stations.
- Drink driving on the routes to Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
- Financial and compliance matters, given the concentration of institutions and contractors.
The Italian side
Where an Italian proceeding, a warrant or an alert exists, the two fronts run together. The model is in how a correspondent case is run; where the matter concerns a foreign law firm instructing in Italy, see the note for foreign law firms.
Frequently asked questions
Does my immunity cover this?
It depends on its scope. Many categories cover official acts only, and immunity has to be established from the person's status and the governing instrument rather than asserted.
Who can waive immunity?
The organisation or sending state, not the individual. That is why notifying it early matters.
How long can Dutch police hold me?
Nine hours for questioning and then up to three days on the prosecutor's order, before a judge decides on provisional detention.
Is the procedure different from Amsterdam?
No. The same national rules apply throughout the Netherlands; what differs is the kind of case.
If this is happening now
If immunity may apply, the organisation has to be notified early: it is the only body that can raise or waive it. First contact is free and covered by professional privilege, at any hour.