By David Pereda -
The Associated Press
A Peruvian judge ordered this Thursday that former President Pedro Castillo remain in pretrial detention for 18 months, as requested by the prosecution after his removal by Congress and his arrest.
The judge's decision was announced a day after the government declared a state of emergency to try to calm down
the violent protests in the country, which have left at least 10 dead.
The protests erupted after Castillo was ousted by lawmakers last week, following his attempt to dissolve Congress before a recall vote.
Peru's President Pedro Castillo attends a press conference at the Presidential Palace in Lima, Peru, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022. Martin Mejia / AP
Judge César San Martín Castro issued the ruling days after Congress stripped Castillo of the privilege that prevents Peru's presidents from facing criminal charges.
Castillo and his legal team refused to participate in Thursday's virtual hearing, arguing that it lacked the most "minimum guarantees."
He was represented by a public defender.
This is a developing story.
Please check back for updates.