Peru Severs Diplomatic Ties with Mexico Over Asylum for Betssy Chávez
The Peruvian government has officially severed diplomatic relations with Mexico following Mexico's decision to grant political asylum to former Prime Minister Betssy Chávez. Chávez is currently facing criminal prosecution in Peru for her alleged involvement in former President Pedro Castillo’s attempted coup on December 7, 2022. Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela condemned Mexico’s action as an unfriendly interference in Peru’s internal affairs, asserting that Chávez is accused of serious common crimes rather than political persecution. In response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum described Peru’s reaction as disproportionate, maintaining that Mexico acted in accordance with international law and its humanitarian traditions. Legal experts note that under the 1954 Caracas Convention, the asylum-granting state determines the nature of the offense. Consequently, Peru is obligated to issue a safe-conduct for Chávez to leave the country safely. This incident marks the most significant diplomatic crisis between the two nations in decades, resulting in the suspension of embassy operations and uncertainty regarding commercial and consular ties. Chávez remains sheltered within the Mexican Embassy in Lima while awaiting formal procedures for her departure.
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Peru Severs Diplomatic Ties with Mexico Over Asylum for Betssy Chávez
The Peruvian government has officially severed diplomatic relations with Mexico following Mexico's decision to grant political asylum to former Prime Minister Betssy Chávez. Chávez is currently facing criminal prosecution in Peru for her alleged involvement in former President Pedro Castillo’s attempted coup on December 7, 2022. Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela condemned Mexico’s action as an unfriendly interference in Peru’s internal affairs, asserting that Chávez is accused of serious common crimes rather than political persecution. In response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum described Peru’s reaction as disproportionate, maintaining that Mexico acted in accordance with international law and its humanitarian traditions. Legal experts note that under the 1954 Caracas Convention, the asylum-granting state determines the nature of the offense. Consequently, Peru is obligated to issue a safe-conduct for Chávez to leave the country safely. This incident marks the most significant diplomatic crisis between the two nations in decades, resulting in the suspension of embassy operations and uncertainty regarding commercial and consular ties. Chávez remains sheltered within the Mexican Embassy in Lima while awaiting formal procedures for her departure.
Perú Reports