Peru protests: Deaths mount with 7 killed in single day of clashes over fate of ousted president Pedro Castillo

Lima — Protests erupted late Thursday in Peru's southern city of Ayacucho, with clashes between demonstrators and the military killing at least seven people as unrest grows over the treatment of ousted president Pedro Castillo. The country's Supreme Court earlier on Thursday ordered Castillo to remain in detention for 18 months after his arrest last week, which has sparked protests that have killed at least 15 people in the capital Lima and across the South American nation, according to authorities.

Castillo was removed from office and detained after he 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.

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