A judicial panel within Peru's Supreme Court ruled on Thursday to extend the pre-trial detention of former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo, 53, who will now remain behind bars for 18 months.
The former president was impeached on December 7 and arrested on rebellion charges hours after he attempted to dissolve Congress before members held their third impeachment vote against the ousted head of state.
At present former Vice President Boluarte, 60, is serving at the country's interim president for the remainder of Castillo's presidential term.
Congress' decision to detain Castillo for 18 months was influenced by whether or not he can be held in jail while prosecutors investigate his alleged crimes, rather than the accusations against him. Their reasoning for the former president's detention is out of fear that he will attempt to flee the country, with the court claiming Castillo has been discussing political asylum with Mexico.
The Thursday decision comes a day after Peruvian Supreme Prosecutor Uriel Teran requested 18 months of preventive detention for Castillo and former Prime Minister Anibal Torres, who have been accused of mutiny and abuse of authority.
Supporters of Castillo began protesting shortly after he was taken into custody. Protesters have called for an immediate presidential election and are asking for the Peru's Congress to be dissolved as well as call for Castillo's freedom.
In the days since Castillo's removal, protesters have burned police stations, taken over an armed forces airstrip, and have caused disruption to the country's tourism industry. At least eight people have died due to the protests, including two minors.
Castillo has denied allegations of conspiracy and rebellion.