Peru breaks diplomatic relations with Mexico over asylum of ex-PM
Diplomatic relations between Mexico and Peru have broken down after Mexico granted asylum to former Peruvian PM Betssy Chávez, who is under investigation for rebellion after a failed coup attempt in 2022. Peru calls this "an unfriendly act".
Lima/Buenos Aires (AP/dpa) - Peru on Monday announced it was breaking off diplomatic relations with Mexico after the Mexican Embassy in Lima granted asylum to former Peruvian prime minister Betssy Chávez, who is facing charges over an alleged 2022 coup attempt.
"As is publicly known, since the failed coup attempt led by former President [Pedro] Castillo, the Mexican Government has been interfering in an unacceptable and systematic manner in Peru's internal affairs," the Peruvian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The ministry added that "in an unfriendly act that adds to the series of unacceptable acts of interference by the Mexican Government towards Peru, the Mexican Embassy in Lima announced today that its government has granted diplomatic asylum to Ms Betssy Chávez Chino."
"This fact demonstrates the Mexican Government's profound lack of interest in maintaining a relationship with Peru," the statement continued.
Mexico’s government did not immediately comment on Peru’s decision.
Failed coup
Authorities have accused Chávez 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 Chávez of being an accomplice in the crime of rebellion against the powers of the state. It is seeking a sentence of up to 25 years in prison for Chávez, who served as Castillo’s prime minister.
Castillo, a former village schoolteacher, was supported mainly by farmers and indigenous people, and counts the left-wing Mexican government among his allies. Castillo's wife and children are also currently living in Mexico.
Chávez was arrested in 2023 on charges of rebellion and conspiracy. In September the Constitutional Court overturned her pre-trial detention.