Peru has officially severed diplomatic relations with Mexico after former Prime Minister Betssy Chavez, who served under ousted President Pedro Castillo, sought asylum at the Mexican embassy in Lima.
Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela announced the decision on Monday, calling Mexico’s actions an “unfriendly act” and accusing the country’s current and former presidents of repeatedly interfering in Peru’s internal affairs.
Chavez, who faces criminal charges for her alleged involvement in Castillo’s failed attempt to dissolve Congress in 2022, reportedly fled to the embassy earlier in the day. Castillo was removed from office following the incident and remains in detention.
Chavez was jailed in June 2023 but released on bail in September pending trial. Her lawyer, Raul Noblecilla, told local media he had not been in contact with her recently and was unaware of her asylum request.
Mexico’s foreign ministry has yet to respond to the diplomatic fallout.
Prosecutors are seeking a 25-year prison sentence for Chavez, who maintains her innocence and denies any involvement in Castillo’s actions.
