Peru cuts diplomatic ties with Mexico over asylum claim of former prime minister
Mexico grants asylum to Betssy Chavez at its embassy in Peru’s capital, adding to months of escalating diplomatic tensions
Peru’s government on Monday announced the country was severing diplomatic relations with Mexico over the asylum claim of former Peruvian prime minister Betssy Chavez, who was under investigation for rebellion.
Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela told reporters that Mexico’s decision to grant Chavez asylum at its embassy in Peru’s capital, Lima, constituted an “unfriendly act” that added to the existing tensions between the two countries.
The office of Peru’s President Jose Jeri in a statement then accused Mexico’s government of “repeated” interference with the internal affairs of the South American country.
Authorities have accused Chavez of participating in the 2022 failed effort by then-President Pedro Castillo to declare a state of emergency and dissolve Peru’s Parliament as legislators prepared an impeachment vote against him.
Castillo failed to get the military’s support for his move, was swiftly deposed by Congress and then arrested after prosecutors accused him of trying to promote a coup.
The Peruvian Attorney General’s Office has accused Chavez of being an accomplice in the crime of rebellion against the powers of the state. It was seeking a sentence of up to 25 years in prison for Chavez, who served as Castillo’s prime minister.