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

The arrest of former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has given a timely boost to the International Criminal Court, which is facing U.S. sanctions and an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct by its chief prosecutor.

The 79-year-old, the first Asian former head of state charged by the ICC, stands accused of the crime against humanity of murder over his years-long campaign against drug users and dealers that rights groups have said killed thousands.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested on order of the International Criminal Court in connection with a case of crime against humanity filed against him, the Philippine government said.

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.

Following his extradition by Manila, the former leader appeared before the International Criminal Court on Friday, charged with possible crimes against humanity committed as part of his war on drugs.

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte appeared before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Netherlands on Friday, the court said. The 79-year-old, who landed in the Netherlands on Wednesday,

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte was turned over Wednesday to the custody of the International Criminal Court, following his arrest on a warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity over deadly anti-drugs crackdowns he oversaw while in office.

Supporters of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte have falsely claimed the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a statement saying it lacked jurisdiction over the Southeast Asian nation after the ex-leader was arrested for his brutal war on drugs.