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

Following a request from the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Philippines arrested former President Rodrigo Duterte due to an investigation into thousands of killings in a violent crackdown on drugs that was the hallmark of his rule.

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Jailed former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte appeared Friday by videoconference before judges at the International Criminal Court, days after his arrest in Manila on murder charges linked to the deadly “ war on drugs ” that he oversaw while in office.