Ex-Peru President Pedro Castillo’s detention term increased to 18 months as protest death toll hits 15

Pedro Castillo, the ex-president of Peru, is held in jail before his trial starts. It was announced on Thursday that he would be held for 18 months before the trial begins. After the news got out, protests started with more vigor. A total of 15 casualties due to the protests are reported by the authorities.

Prosecutors are investigating Castillo in full swing. But to build a solid case, they need time and resources. To grant them the needful, the Supreme Court increased Castillo's pre-trial detention to 18 months.

A Supreme Court judge cited that Castillo could be a risk of flight, so it's better to keep him in custody until the case goes to trial.


Castillo has been charged with rebellion and conspiracy. But he denies all charges and swears to be loyal to the country.

Protestors siding with Castillo were seen holding anti-Dina Boluarte banners outside the Supreme Court. They demand the New President make way for Castillo to take the seat.

Gloria Machuca, a Protestor, told the press that they simply wanted their voice to be heard. They demand to reinstate Castillo as the President.

Logistics at significant copper mines were threatened by the protestors. That has now led to a nationwide strike.



Castillo, a member of the Marxist Free Peru Party, won the election last year. On December 7, he gave the order to dissolve the Congress, which led to a tremendous political disturbance. Other members of the Government turned on him and declared him to be in permanent moral incapacity to run the country.

Castillo is a leftist. Now he is supported by other leftist presidents of countries Mexico, Columbia, Bolivia, and Argentina. All of them signed a joint statement stating that Castillo was merely a victim of undemocratic harassment. Other leftist countries such as Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua are also supporting Castillo and calling his detention to be the political framework created by rightists.

Ana Cecilia Gervasi, the Foreign Minister of Peru, called ambassadors from Mexico, Columbia, Bolivia, and Argentina to consult them on the current situation. According to her tweet, the consultants agree that the internal affairs of Peru have been interfered with.

FAQs:

1. What is Castillo charged with?
   Castillo has been charged with rebellion and conspiracy after he decided to dissolve Congress.
2. How long will Castillo be in jail?
   For now, Castillo will be held for 18 months in detention until his trial starts.