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

MANILA: It was mainly intended to confirm his identity and set some matters of procedure. It was over in under 30 minutes.

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

MANILA, Philippines — Former President Rodrigo Duterte said he wants his former executive secretary in Malacañang — Salvador Medialdea — to be his legal counsel, according to the

The former Philippine president, accused of crimes against humanity over his deadly "war on drugs," spoke via video link in his initial appearance at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

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.