Peru has announced the severance of diplomatic relations with Mexico after the Mexican government granted asylum to a former Peruvian prime minister accused of involvement in a 2022 coup attempt.
Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela expressed deep disappointment upon learning that Betsy Chávez, the former prime minister, had been given refuge at the Mexican Embassy in Lima.
“This unfriendly act has compelled the Peruvian government to make the sovereign decision to break diplomatic relations with Mexico,” De Zela stated.
Chávez was imprisoned in June 2023 for allegedly participating in the failed attempt by ousted President Pedro Castillo to dissolve Congress. She denied the charges but was released on bail in September of the same year by court order.
Peru has repeatedly accused Mexico of interfering in its domestic affairs. “The truth is that they have tried to portray the architects of a coup attempt as victims,” De Zela said. “In reality, Peruvians live — and wish to continue living — under democratic rule. This is recognized by every country in the world, except Mexico.”
Peruvian prosecutors are seeking a 25-year prison sentence for Chávez over her alleged role in the failed dissolution of Congress.
Former President Pedro Castillo was arrested in December 2022 after attempting to dissolve Congress and establish an emergency government. He was impeached within hours and has remained in custody since then. Prosecutors are demanding a 34-year prison sentence against him.
The decision to cut diplomatic ties marks a new escalation in tensions between Lima and Mexico City — a dispute that has simmered since Castillo’s ouster.
Sources: BBC, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times.