Overview

peruvian authorities have considerably increased police presence around the Mexican Embassy in Lima, Peru, fearing a potential escape attempt by former Prime Minister Betssy Chávez. Chávez has been granted diplomatic asylum at the embassy since November 2023, while facing charges related to former President pedro Castillo’s attempt to dissolve Congress in December 2022. The heightened security measures where implemented starting December 25, 2025, anticipating potential attempts to exploit Christmas celebrations for an escape.

Background: The Political Crisis

The current situation stems from a political crisis that unfolded in December 2022 when then-President Pedro Castillo attempted to dissolve Congress and rule by decree. Reuters reported on December 7, 2022, that Castillo’s move was widely condemned as an attempted coup. Congress subsequently voted to impeach and remove Castillo from office, leading to his arrest.

Betssy Chávez, who served as Castillo’s Prime Minister, was implicated in the attempted coup and subsequently faced legal charges. She sought asylum at the Mexican Embassy in November 2023, citing political persecution.