LIMA, Peru (AP) — Peru's government announced Monday that the country is severing diplomatic ties with Mexico over the asylum claim of former Peruvian Prime Minister Betsy Chavez, who is under investigation for sedition.
Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela told reporters that Mexico's decision to begin the asylum process for Chavez represents an “unfriendly act” that increases existing tensions between the two countries. The office of Peruvian President Jose Geri, in a statement at the time, accused the Mexican government of “repeated” interference in the internal affairs of the South American country.
Authorities accused Chavez of participating in then-President Pedro Castillo's failed attempt in 2022 to declare a state of emergency and dissolve Peru's parliament as lawmakers prepared an impeachment vote against him. Castillo was unable to gain military support for his actions. quickly overthrown by Congress and then arrested after prosecutors accused him of attempting to promote a coup.
The Peruvian Attorney General's Office accused Chavez of complicity in the crime of rebellion against the authorities of the state. He is seeking a 25-year prison sentence for Chavez, who served as Castillo's prime minister.
“Today we learned with surprise and deep regret that former Prime Minister Betsy Chavez, the alleged co-author of the coup d'état carried out by former President Pedro Castillo, is being granted asylum at the Mexican Embassy residence in Peru,” De Zela told reporters.
Castillo's wife and children are currently in Mexico, where authorities have expressed sympathy for the former Peruvian president, who came to power on a left-wing platform and was removed by parliament after announcing his dissolution in December 2022.
Associated Press
