In brief
Peru announced the termination of diplomatic ties with Mexico after Mexico provided asylum to former Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, who is facing serious charges related to a 2022 coup attempt. The Peruvian government expressed its disapproval, while Mexico criticized Peru's decision as excessive. The backlash stems from a complicated history of political turmoil between the two nations, particularly surrounding the regime of ousted 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 stated.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, but she was released on bail in September and has denied the charges.Peru accused Mexico of repeated instances in which the current and former presidents of that country have interfered in Peru's internal affairs. Zela noted Mexico’s portrayal of coup attempt authors as victims, emphasizing that Peruvians wish to live in democracy, which the world largely recognizes, with the noteworthy exception of Mexico.Prosecutors are seeking a 25-year sentence for Chávez's alleged role in the coup attempt, while Castillo, who attempted a power grab in December 2022 and was ultimately ousted and imprisoned, faces a potential 34-year jail term.The diplomatic severance adds to the ongoing tensions between Peru and Mexico, which have festered since Castillo's ousting. Notably, in 2022, Lima expelled Mexico's ambassador after the country granted asylum to Castillo's family.The complexities of this situation reflect deeper political conflicts between the two nations, with significant implications for their bilateral relations.
