Peru has officially broken off diplomatic relations with Mexico. This decision follows Mexico's granting of asylum to Betssy Chávez, a former Peruvian prime minister who faces charges related to a 2022 coup attempt.
Diplomatic Severance and Asylum Dispute
Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela announced the severance of diplomatic relations, describing Mexico's decision to provide refuge to Chávez at its embassy in Peru as an "unfriendly act." Minister de Zela also expressed "surprise and deep regret" regarding the development.
Betssy Chávez was imprisoned in June 2023 due to her alleged involvement in former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo's plan to dissolve congress. She was released on bail in September 2023 and has denied the charges against her. Peruvian prosecutors are currently seeking a 25-year sentence for her alleged role.
Broader Tensions and Past Incidents
Peru's government has also accused Mexico of "repeated instances in which the current and former presidents of that country have interfered in Peru's internal affairs." Foreign Minister Zela stated that Mexico has "tried to portray the authors of the coup attempt as victims," asserting that Peruvians desire to maintain their democratic system.
This latest development escalates existing tensions between the two nations since Castillo's removal from office. In 2022, Peru expelled Mexico's ambassador after Mexico granted asylum to Castillo's wife and children following his arrest. A year later, Peru recalled its ambassador to Mexico after then-President Andrés Manuel López Obrador voiced support for Castillo, claiming he had been "illegally ousted."
Context of the 2022 Political Crisis
The charges against Betssy Chávez stem from events in December 2022, when then-President Pedro Castillo attempted to dissolve congress and establish an emergency government. This attempt was declared unconstitutional, and government officials along with the country's armed forces refused to support him. Castillo was impeached hours after his attempt and subsequently arrested on rebellion charges. He has remained in preventative custody since. Prosecutors are seeking a 34-year jail term for Castillo, who has stated that he never took up arms against the state because the military did not follow his orders.
Castillo, a former primary school teacher, farmer, and union activist, assumed the presidency as an outsider. His tenure ended with the attempt to seize power.
Recent Political Changes in Peru
In related political developments, Castillo's successor, former President Dina Boluarte, was removed from office last month by a vote in Peru's congress. This removal followed mass protests concerning political scandals and rising crime. Following Boluarte's removal, Congress leader José Jeri was sworn in as the interim president.