Peru breaks diplomatic relations with Mexico

Peru announced on Monday that it had cut off diplomatic ties with Mexico over the asylum claim of former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, who is facing charges in her homeland over the alleged 2022 coup attempt by then President Pedro Castillo.

“Today we learned with surprise and deep regret that former Prime Minister Betssy Chavez, the alleged co-author of the coup d’etat attempted by former President Pedro Castillo (2021-2022), is being granted asylum at the residence of the Mexican Embassy in Peru,” Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela said at a news conference.

‘Unfriendly act’

De Zela described Mexico’s decision as an “unfriendly act,” before adding, “considering the repeated instances in which the current and former presidents of that country have interfered in Peru’s internal affairs, the Peruvian government has decided to sever diplomatic relations with Mexico today.”

Castillo, who came to power on a leftist platform, was ousted by Parliament and arrested in December 2022 after attempting to dissolve Congress. Chavez is also facing criminal charges for her alleged role in the act.

She has denied knowing about Castillo’s plan to dissolve the legislature.

In September, Chavez denied that she had attempted to flee to the Mexican embassy in Peru as Castillo’s bid to break up Congress was underway. Her driver testified that Chavez requested he take her there, before returning to her office.

The deterioration in Peru-Mexico relations

Relations between Peru and Mexico have deteriorated sharply since the ousting of Castillo.

After Mexico granted asylum to Castillo’s family, Peru declared Mexico’s ambassador to Lima, Pablo Monroy, persona non grata

and ordered him to leave the country within 72 hours.

Castillo’s successor, now ex-president Dina Boluarte, also temporarily recalled Peru’s ambassador to Mexico City, accusing Mexico’s then President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of meddling in Peruvian affairs by expressing support for Castillo.

What is the current status of Castillo and Chavez?

Castillo was on his way to the Mexican embassy in Lima to ask for asylum together with his family when he was arrested and charged with rebellion and abuse of authority.

Chavez was also charged alongside him.

The pair went on trial in March of this year.

Castillo has been in preventive custody since his impeachment. Chavez was released on bail.

Prosecutors had sought a 25-year term for Chavez for allegedly participating in Castillo’s plan to dissolve Congress.

They have sought a 34-year sentence for Castillo.