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.
Chávez had been imprisoned in June 2023 over her alleged role in ousted Peruvian president Pedro Castillos'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".
