Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo’s prison sentence has been extended by 18 months as diplomatic tensions deepened with left-leaning nations in the region that oppose his ouster.
The Supreme Court judicial panel ruled Thursday that the former president, who was initially behind bars for seven days, will remain in prison while prosecutors carry out investigations into the criminal charges against him.
The ruling did not address the merits of the conspiracy and rebellion charges the leader faces, however a judge who headed the panel said Castillo faced a flight risk after he tried to seek asylum at the Mexican embassy in Lima.
All the charges made against the former president were denied by him, since he stated that he is a legitimate president of the country. However, Castillo’s arrest warrant was extended until June 2024.
Meanwhile, supporters and relatives of Castillo protested Thursday in front of the Barbadillo prison, demanding the release of the ousted leader. Castillo’s relatives visited him on Thursday, after which they informed the media that the leader “is not feeling well.”
“Her hands started shaking, her face was shaking, and we bought her pills,” Castillo’s niece, Vilma Castillo, said as she stood outside the jail. Protesters shouted in support of Castillo and criticized interim president Dina Boluarte for her actions and accused her of being a traitor.
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Authorities claimed that ten protesters, mostly including teenagers, were killed in clashes with police officers. According to human rights groups, they were victims of gunfire.
Meanwhile, roads were blocked, buildings were set on fire, and airports were overrun by protesters.
Castillo, who had narrowly won elections last year, was ousted after lawmakers voted against him just hours after he ordered congress dissolved on December 7.
(With contributions from agencies)
