LIMA, Dec 16, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - Peru's Supreme Court on Thursday ordered ousted president Pedro Castillo to remain in detention for another 18 months after his arrest last week, which has sparked deadly unrest in the South American nation.

A Supreme Court judge granted the request from prosecutors to keep Castillo in custody, saying he posed a flight risk after trying to seek asylum at the Mexican embassy in Lima. The detention order extends to June 2024.

Castillo, a leftist former school teacher, tried to dissolve the legislature and announced he would rule by decree, in what opponents say was a bid to dodge an impeachment vote, amid several corruption probes targeting him.

He stands accused of rebellion and conspiracy and could be jailed for up to 10 years if found guilty, according to public prosecutor Alcides Diaz.