The two countries broke off relations because the prime minister went on the run

Providing asylum to the ex-prime minister resulted in a breakdown in relations between Latin American countries

Peru is severing diplomatic relations with Mexico after the former prime minister of the South American country asked Mexico City for asylum.

The Peruvian government has severed diplomatic relations with Mexico over the asylum application of former Peruvian Prime Minister Betsy Chavez, the Associated Press reports.

The Republic of Peru announced the severance of diplomatic relations with Mexico due to the asylum request 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 grant Chavez asylum at its embassy in the Peruvian capital Lima was an “unfriendly act” that exacerbates existing tensions between the two countries. The administration of Peruvian President Jose Geri in a statement accused the Mexican government of “repeated” interference in the internal affairs of the South American country, the Associated Press notes.

Authorities accused Betsy Chavez of participating in then-President Pedro Castillo’s failed attempt in 2022 to declare a state of emergency and dissolve Peru’s parliament while lawmakers were preparing an impeachment vote against him. Castillo was unable to gain military support for his decision and was quickly removed by Congress and then arrested after prosecutors accused him of attempting a coup.

The Peruvian Attorney General’s Office has charged Betsy Chavez with complicity in a crime of rebellion against government authority. Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of up to 25 years for Chavez, who served as prime minister under Castillo. Chavez herself denies that she knew about Castillo’s plan to dissolve the legislature.

“Today we learned with surprise and deep regret that former Prime Minister Betsy Chavez, the alleged co-author of former President Pedro Castillo’s coup attempt, has been granted asylum at the Mexican Embassy residence in Peru,” De Zela told reporters.

Castillo’s wife and children are now in Mexico, where authorities have expressed sympathy for the former Peruvian president, who came to power on a left-wing platform and was removed from power by parliament after it announced its dissolution in December 2022.

The Mexican government has not yet commented on Peru’s decision, the Associated Press notes.