Peru Breaks Diplomatic Ties with Mexico Following Asylum Grant to Ex-PM

Sun Nov 30 2025 23:41:54 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Peru has announced a severing of diplomatic relations with Mexico after the latter granted asylum to Betssy Chávez, the former Prime Minister facing charges for a coup attempt in 2022. This diplomatic fallout reflects escalating tensions over interference in each other's political affairs.

Peru has officially terminated its diplomatic relations with Mexico following Mexico's decision to grant asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez. Peruvian officials, including Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela, expressed outrage over the move, citing previous instances of perceived meddling by Mexican officials in Peru's internal affairs. This situation arises after Chávez's controversial involvement in a coup attempt in 2022 and her subsequent imprisonment. The breakdown of ties highlights ongoing tensions that have escalated since the ousting of former president Pedro Castillo.

Peru has announced it is breaking off diplomatic relations with Mexico after its government granted asylum to a former Peruvian prime minister facing charges for a 2022 coup attempt.

Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela expressed his surprise and deep regret after learning Betssy Chávez was being given refuge at the Mexican embassy in Peru.

Given this unfriendly act... the Peruvian government has decided to sever diplomatic relations with Mexico today, Zela said.

In response, Mexico's foreign affairs ministry rejected Peru's unilateral decision as excessive and disproportionate.

Chávez had been imprisoned in June 2023 over her alleged role in ousted Peruvian president Pedro Castillo's plan to dissolve congress. She was released by a judge on bail in September and had denied the charges against her.

Peru also accused Mexico of repeated instances in which the current and former presidents of that country have interfered in Peru's internal affairs.

The truth is, they have tried to portray the authors of the coup attempt as victims, when in reality, Peruvians live and want to continue living in democracy, as recognised by all countries in the world, with the sole and lonely exception of Mexico, Zela added.

Prosecutors are seeking a 25-year sentence for Chávez's alleged role in Castillo's plan to dissolve congress.

Castillo was arrested in December 2022 on charges of rebellion after he attempted to dissolve congress and install an emergency government. Hours after the attempt, Castillo was impeached and has been in preventive custody ever since.

Prosecutors are seeking a 34-year jail term for Castillo, who previously said he never took up arms against the state because the military refused his orders.

Peru's decision to sever diplomatic ties with Mexico adds to ongoing tensions between the two governments since Castillo's ousting. In 2022, Lima expelled Mexico's ambassador after its decision to grant asylum to Castillo's wife and children following his arrest. Additionally, Peru recalled its ambassador to Mexico after then-President Andrés Manuel López Obrador expressed support for Castillo, stating he had been illegally ousted.

Castillo, a former primary school teacher and union activist, was dubbed Peru's first poor president. His presidency ended in controversy after his attempt to seize power was declared unconstitutional, with both government officials and the military refusing to support him.

Castillo's successor, former President Dina Boluarte, was removed from office last month following widespread protests against political scandals and rising crime, leading to Congress leader José Jeri being sworn in as interim president.