Death Toll In Protests Hits 15

The Peruvian government has ordered ex-President Pedro Castillo to be held in pre-trial detention for 18 months, after deeming him a flight risk, reports Reuters.

The decision comes as protests by Castillo's supporters continued for a second week.

Peruvian authorities said that 15 people have been killed during the protests, which triggered a national state of emergency earlier this week.

Castillo was impeached on Dec. 7 and removed from power after attempting a coup.

Nevertheless, leftist governments in the region have called for Castillo to be reinstated.

Meanwhile, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, the U.S. and Uruguay have all recognized President Dina Boluarte as the head of the legitimate Peruvian government.