Peruvian former prime minister Betssy Chavez arrives for her trial on charges of rebellion and conspiracy against the state at a police base on the outskirts of Lima, Peru, March 18, 2025. MARTIN MEJIA / AP
Peru's government on Monday, November 3, announced the country was severing diplomatic relations with Mexico over the asylum claim of former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, who is under investigation for rebellion.
Read more (2022) Peru: Former president Pedro Castillo seeks asylum in Mexico
Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela told reporters that Mexico's decision to start the asylum process for Chávez constituted an "unfriendly act" that adds to the existing tensions between the two countries. The office of Peru's President José Jerí in a statement then accused Mexico's government of "repeated" interference with the internal affairs of the South American country.
Authorities have accused Chávez of participating in the 2022 failed effort by then-President Pedro Castillo to declare a state of emergency and dissolve Peru's Parliament as legislators prepared an impeachment vote against him. Castillo failed to get the military's support for his move, was swiftly deposed by Congress and then arrested after prosecutors accused him of trying to promote a coup.
