Lima, Peru — Peru has severed diplomatic relations with Mexico after the North American nation granted asylum to former Prime Minister Betssy Chavez Chino, accused of involvement in a 2022 coup attempt.

In a Monday evening statement, the Peruvian Foreign Ministry accused Mexico of “interfering in an inadmissible and systematic manner in Peru’s internal affairs,” calling the asylum decision “an unfriendly act” that demonstrates a “profound lack of interest in maintaining a relationship” with Lima.

Chavez Chino served as prime minister under President Pedro Castillo, who was impeached in December 2022 after attempting to dissolve Congress and rule by emergency decree. She was detained in June 2023 for alleged involvement in the attempted coup and corruption but was released in September after a judge ruled her right against arbitrary detention had been violated.

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Mexico Defends Asylum Decision

The Mexican Foreign Ministry criticized Peru’s move as “excessive and disproportionate,” defending its decision to grant asylum in accordance with international law, including the 1954 Convention on Diplomatic Asylum, to which both countries are signatories.

Mexico emphasized that Chavez Chino had reported “repeated violations of her human rights” stemming from political persecution in Peru and that the asylum decision was made following “a thorough evaluation” under Mexican legal procedures.

“Mexico reaffirms, as recognized by the United Nations General Assembly, that the granting of asylum cannot be considered an unfriendly act by another state,” the statement added.

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Diplomatic Fallout

Peru’s announcement marks a sharp deterioration in relations between the two Latin American nations, already tense due to differing stances on political and judicial issues. The closure of diplomatic channels could affect trade, cooperation, and regional diplomacy amid ongoing political unrest in Peru.

Chavez Chino’s asylum follows her release from detention and reflects her ongoing legal and political struggles connected to Castillo’s failed attempt to govern by emergency decree.