Peru Breaks Relations With Mexico Imbas Asaka Former PM Betssy Chavez

UNSPLASH/Cesar Gutierrez ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - The Peruvian government announced the termination of diplomatic relations with Mexico after the country granted political asylum to former Prime Minister Betssy Chavez, who was being investigated for a coup attempt in 2022.

"Today we are shocked and deeply sorry for Mexico's decision to grant asylum to Betssy Chavez, the main suspect in a coup attempt by former president Pedro Castillo," Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela told a news conference in Lima.

"For this unfriendly act, as well as repeated interference from the Mexican government in internal affairs of Peru, the government has cut diplomatic relations with Mexico," he said.

Meanwhile, Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret for Peru's decision, but confirmed that the granting of asylum to Chavez was in accordance with international law.

"Mexico rejects Peru's excessive and disproportionate unilateral decision against the Mexican government's legal action in line with international law and is not an intervention," the ministry's official statement said.

Tensions between the two countries have risen since December 2022, when President Pedro Castillo tried to dissolve the Peru Congress amid a political stalemate. Castillo, a former rural teacher and teacher union leader, was later arrested on his way to the Mexican Embassy in Lima, where he sought refuge.

Mexico had previously granted asylum to Castillo's wife and children, which led Peru to expel the Mexican ambassador and withdraw its ambassador from Mexico City.

Chavez, who was then prime minister, was also charged with involvement in the coup attempt. He is now released on bail pending trial.

Prosecutors demanded 25 years in prison for Chavez and 34 years for Castillo. Both denied the allegations, with Castillo insisting he never intended to instigate the country.