Castillo had previously stated that he would "never give up". His arrest was unfair and arbitrary, he said during the hearing. He called on the military and police to "lay down their arms and stop killing this people thirsting for justice."

Castillo was removed from office by parliament last Wednesday for "moral incompetence" and later arrested. The left-wing politician is accused of "rebellion and conspiracy". His deputy, Dina Boluarte, was appointed as the new president.

The country has been rocked by protests ever since. According to official information, seven people have been killed in the demonstrations so far.