Peru has announced it is severing diplomatic relations with Mexico over the asylum granted to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, who is under investigation for rebellion, officials said Monday.
Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela described Mexico’s decision to provide asylum to Chávez at its embassy in Lima as an “unfriendly act” that exacerbates tensions between the two nations. A statement from President José Jerí’s office accused Mexico of “repeated” interference in Peru’s internal affairs.
Chávez is accused of participating in former President Pedro Castillo’s failed attempt in 2022 to declare a state of emergency and dissolve Congress ahead of an impeachment vote. Castillo’s plan collapsed when the military refused to support him, leading to his swift removal by Congress and subsequent arrest on charges of attempting a coup.
The Peruvian Attorney General’s Office has charged Chávez with being an accomplice in the rebellion against state authorities and is seeking a prison sentence of up to 25 years. She served as Castillo’s prime minister at the time.
“Today we learned with surprise and deep regret that former Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, the alleged co-author of the attempted coup, is being granted asylum at the Mexican Embassy in Peru,” de Zela told reporters.
Mexico expressed regret over Peru’s move, stating the asylum was granted in accordance with international law. “Mexico rejects Peru’s unilateral decision as excessive and disproportionate in response to a legitimate act by Mexico consistent with international law, which in no way constitutes intervention in Peru’s internal affairs,” said Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Castillo’s family currently resides in Mexico, where authorities have expressed sympathy for the former president, who rose to power on a leftist platform before being ousted in December 2022. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has previously described Castillo as a victim of a coup and called for his release and a fair trial.
The Peruvian Foreign Ministry said Mexico “has interfered in an inadmissible and systematic manner” in Peru’s domestic matters since December 2022, adding that repeated calls for respect of Peru’s sovereignty were ignored.
