Madrid - A Spanish judge ruled on Tuesday that a convicted paedophile whose early release from prison in Morocco sparked violent protests would stay in jail while a court decides whether he should serve out the remainder of his sentence.
Demonstrations broke out in Morocco on Friday after King Mohamed VI pardoned Daniel Galvan Vina, who was serving a 30-year sentence in Morocco for raping and filming 11 minors aged between four and 15.
The king revoked the pardon late on Sunday - saying he was unaware of the gravity of his crimes - but Galvan had already left Morocco for Spain.
Morocco issued an international arrest order for Galvan, who was arrested on Monday in Murcia, in southern Spain.
Galvan, who had served less than two years of his prison sentence in Morocco, appeared before a judge at one of Spain's top courts for a hearing on Tuesday morning, according to a court document.
Morocco's king, like other Middle Eastern and North African rulers, often pardons prisoners on special occasions. Galvan was among 48 Spanish prisoners set free on Throne Day on July 30.
Spain said on Monday it had presented Morocco with a list of prisoners to be pardoned and another of detainees to be transferred to Spain.
According to Spain, Galvan was on the second list but Morocco released all named prisoners instead of only those on the first list.
Morocco's royal palace said it had fired the prisons chief and would investigate the release.
It is unlikely Spain will try to send Galvan back to Morocco as a bilateral treaty means Spanish citizens cannot be extradited to Morocco.
Officials from Morocco's Justice Ministry were due to meet with Spanish colleagues on Tuesday to discuss the issue. - Reuters