Asylum Dispute Deepens Political Divide Between Mexico and Peru
A diplomatic crisis has erupted between Mexico and Peru after the Mexican government granted political asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, who faces charges related to a failed 2022 coup attempt.
Peru responded by severing diplomatic relations last week, escalating tensions that have simmered since the downfall of former President Pedro Castillo. In a follow-up move, Peru’s Congress voted 63 to 34 to declare Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum persona non grata, barring her from entering the country.
Lawmakers accused Sheinbaum of meddling in Peru’s internal politics and, during the heated debate, some even accused her of having ties to drug traffickers.
Chávez, who served briefly as prime minister under Castillo, was arrested in June 2023 for allegedly helping him attempt to dissolve Congress in what prosecutors called an auto-coup. She denies all charges, but prosecutors are seeking a 25-year prison sentence.
Released on bail in September, Chávez sought refuge at the Mexican embassy in Lima last week and was swiftly granted asylum – a decision that infuriated Peruvian authorities.
Peru’s government condemned Mexico’s action as a “flagrant interference” in its judicial process, while Mexico defended its decision as a humanitarian measure consistent with international law.
The rift marks the latest chapter in strained relations between the two Latin American nations, which have frequently clashed over Mexico’s alleged support for leftist leaders in the region.
