In an International Criminal Court hearing in The Hague, Rodrigo Duterte's lawyer calls the politician's arrest in Manila 'pure and simple kidnapping.'

Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has made his first appearance via video link at the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands, where he faces murder charges related to his “war on drugs.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte did not appear in the courtroom for his initial hearing at the International Criminal Court in The Hague on Friday. Duterte would follow the proceedings through a video link,

Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte appears via video link at a hearing at the Hague, where he faces murder charges related to his “war on drugs.” Former ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo outlines the charges against Duterte,

Harry Roque, also a lawyer seeking to represent him in the ICC case, said the question of jurisdiction over the Philippines, which withdrew from the global court when Duterte was president, should be addressed before any further proceedings.

Duterte arrived in the Netherlands on a flight from Manila on Wednesday and was taken into ICC custody after being arrested by authorities on an International Criminal Court warrant. Prosecutors have accused him of crimes against humanity for what they call a systematic attack on the civilian population.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared on a remote video link on Friday (March 14) for his initial hearing at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, where he faces murder allegations stemming from his "war on drugs.

Duterte, 79, appeared at the hearing via videolink, with presiding judge Iulia Motoc citing his prior “long journey."