Three police vehicles passed through the main gate of the detention unit, located in the Hague suburb of Scheveningen, where the Dutch police will hand Gotovina over to the UN international police running the prison. There are currently 48 indictees in the prison.
Gotovina's arrival was covered by at least ten TV crews and several dozen Croatian and foreign reporters.
After he is taken in, prison staff will photograph Gotovina, take his fingerprints, register his name, the date of issuing the indictment and the arrest warrant, the name of his legal representative and other details. The prison staff will then inventory his money, valuables and clothing, after which he will undergo a medical check up and be placed in a separate cell. According to prison rules, Gotovina should be informed about the legal, diplomatic and consular representation at his disposal.
He can then notify his family and legal representative and his country's diplomatic representative where he is staying.
The reception procedure also includes an interview with the prison head, Timothy McFadden.
After the reception procedure is completed, the Hague tribunal will issue an official statement saying that General Gotovina is under its jurisdiction at the UN detention unit, in line with the usual practice.
Gotovina is due to make his initial appearance and enter his plea at 12.45 hours on Monday.