Peru announced it is cutting diplomatic relations with Mexico after Mexico granted diplomatic asylum to former Prime Minister Betssy Chavez Chino, accused of involvement in the December 2022 attempt by then‑President Pedro Castillo to dissolve Congress. Lima called the asylum an "unfriendly act" and accused Mexico of unacceptable interference in Peru's internal affairs. Mexico defended its decision as consistent with international law and said Chavez had alleged repeated human rights violations after her 2023 detention. The split heightens tensions stemming from the Castillo political crisis.
Peru Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Mexico After Asylum Granted to Ex‑Prime Minister Betssy Chavez
Peru announced it is cutting diplomatic relations with Mexico after Mexico granted diplomatic asylum to former Prime Minister Betssy Chavez Chino, accused of involvement in the December 2022 attempt by then‑President Pedro Castillo to dissolve Congress. Lima called the asylum an "unfriendly act" and accused Mexico of unacceptable interference in Peru's internal affairs. Mexico defended its decision as consistent with international law and said Chavez had alleged repeated human rights violations after her 2023 detention. The split heightens tensions stemming from the Castillo political crisis.
15:35, 04.11.2025Politics
Peru severs relations with Mexico after diplomatic asylum
On Nov. 4, Peru announced it was breaking diplomatic relations with Mexico after Mexico granted political asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chavez Chino, who has been accused of involvement in the December 2022 attempt by then‑President Pedro Castillo to dissolve Congress.
Official statements
In a Monday evening communication, Peru's Foreign Ministry said it was ending diplomatic relations and accused Mexico of "interfering in an inadmissible and systematic manner in Peru's internal affairs." The ministry called Mexico's decision an "unfriendly act" that demonstrated a "profound lack of interest in maintaining a relationship" with Lima and announced the break in relations with the United Mexican States.
Mexico's Foreign Ministry called Peru's action "excessive and disproportionate." Mexico defended its decision to grant asylum as consistent with international obligations, citing the 1954 Convention on Diplomatic Asylum and its domestic Law on Refugees, Complementary Protection and Political Asylum. Mexico said it had conducted a "thorough evaluation" and noted that Chavez has alleged repeated human rights violations following her detention in 2023.
Background
Betssy Chavez served as prime minister under President Pedro Castillo. Castillo was impeached after attempting to dissolve Congress in December 2022 and has been in preventive detention on corruption and rebellion‑related charges. Chavez was jailed in June 2023 for her alleged role in the events surrounding the attempted dissolution; she remained detained until September 2023, when a judge ordered her release after finding that her right "not to suffer arbitrary detentions" had been violated.
What this means
The diplomatic rupture deepens tensions between the two countries amid ongoing political fallout from the Castillo crisis. The move could affect consular services, bilateral cooperation and regional diplomacy while both governments weigh next steps.
Peru: Describes the asylum as unacceptable interference.
Mexico: Says asylum is lawful and not an unfriendly act under international practice.