Peru's president makes appearance in graft probe

Peru's embattled President Pedro Castillo, the subject of six criminal investigations, appeared before prosecutors to respond to accusations that he ran a corruption network from his office.

Dressed in a red puffer jacket, Castillo arrived at the public prosecutor's office in an official black car, which was pelted with eggs by people gathered outside as it pulled away.

Castillo, 52, spent more than two hours inside, after which he addressed a group of supporters at the presidential palace.

He said he told investigators "that not only do I reject and flatly deny these false accusations, but also that I will go and face" justice.

Castillo described the claims as "manufactured tales" and has insisted the allegations are a political ploy to unseat him.

Castillo, who has survived two impeachment attempts since taking office in July last year, was summoned in a probe concerning the dismissal of his interior minister Mariano Gonzalez in July.

Castillo was also questioned about alleged influence peddling in the purchase of fuel by state company Petroperu.

The prosecutor's office has opened six investigations in all against Castillo, including for alleged graft and plagiarization of his university thesis.

A scheduled appearance by Castillo's 49-year-old wife Lilia Paredes, accused of criminal conspiracy and money laundering as part of an alleged graft network headed by her husband -- was cancelled at the last minute, her lawyer said.