The former leader of the Philippines has been charged with crimes against humanity after thousands of civilians were killed during his time in office.

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.

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.

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.