Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Dec 16: Former president Pedro Castillo was given an 18-month pre-trial prison sentence by Peru’s Supreme Court Judge Juan Carlos Checkley on Thursday (local time), following his arrest last week.
In order to guarantee that Pedro Castillo and Anibal Torres, the former prime minister, would be present for this phase, the intermediate phase, and the trial, the prosecutor’s office requested 18 months of pre-trial incarceration.
On December 8, Castillo was taken into custody as the authorities looked into allegations of ‘rebellion and plot’ against him.
The Prosecutor’s Office contested Judge Checkley’s decision after the court order was read, according to Andina, to the degree that it mandated a restricted summons for Anibal Torres and insisted on the pre-trial detention requirement.
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In the meanwhile, Castillo’s arrest caused violent upheaval in the South American country, prompting Wednesday’s declaration of a 30-day state of emergency by Dina Boluarte, the country’s new president. The demonstration left eight people dead and numerous police and civilians hurt. According to the Finance Ministry, strikes and blockages are costing Peru up to USD 26 million every day, the Peruvian Times said.
According to Peruvian Times, protesters include those who favour the former president and are calling for his restoration and release from detention. They also want Congress closed and new elections called, among other demands.
