Peru-Mexico Relations Severed Over Asylum for Ex-PM
- Peru has terminated diplomatic relations with mexico following Mexico's decision to grant diplomatic asylum to Betssy Chavez, a former prime minister accused of involvement in a failed attempt...
- The crisis began on December 7,2022,when then-President Pedro Castillo attempted to dissolve Congress and establish an emergency government.Reuters reported that castillo's move was widely condemned as an...
- Dina Boluarte, who was serving as Vice President, assumed the presidency. The events triggered widespread protests across Peru, resulting in dozens of deaths and significant political instability.Betssy Chavez,...
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Peru Severs Diplomatic Ties with Mexico Over Asylum Grant to Former Prime Minister
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Peru has terminated diplomatic relations with mexico following Mexico’s decision to grant diplomatic asylum to Betssy Chavez, a former prime minister accused of involvement in a failed attempt to dissolve Peru’s Congress in 2022. The move, announced November 4, 2023, escalates tensions between the two nations and raises questions about international norms regarding asylum.
Last updated: November 4,2023,10:00:37 AM PST
Background: The 2022 Political Crisis in Peru
The crisis began on December 7,2022,when then-President Pedro Castillo attempted to dissolve Congress and establish an emergency government.Reuters reported that castillo’s move was widely condemned as an attempted coup.
Castillo was subsequently removed from office and arrested. Dina Boluarte, who was serving as Vice President, assumed the presidency. The events triggered widespread protests across Peru, resulting in dozens of deaths and significant political instability.Betssy Chavez, who served as Castillo’s Prime Minister during the attempted dissolution of Congress, has been implicated in the events surrounding the crisis.
Mexico Grants Asylum to Betssy Chavez
On November 3, 2023, Mexico granted diplomatic asylum to betssy Chavez, who had sought refuge at the Mexican embassy in Lima.The Peruvian Foreign Ministry stated that Chavez is accused of conspiracy, a crime punishable by up to 12 years in prison.
Mexico justified its decision by citing international law and its long-standing tradition of offering asylum. According to a statement released by the Mexican government, the decision was made “in strict compliance with the procedure established for this purpose in the Law on Refugees, Complementary Protection and Political Asylum” and also in accordance with Mexican law. Mexico also reaffirmed that granting asylum is not considered an unfriendly act, referencing recognition by the United Nations General Assembly.
Peru’s Response: severing Diplomatic Relations
in response to Mexico’s decision, Peru announced on November 4, 2023, that it was severing diplomatic relations with Mexico. UPI reported that the Peruvian Foreign Ministry declared the Mexican ambassador *persona non grata* and ordered them to leave the country within 72 hours. Peru also recalled its ambassador from Mexico.
The peruvian government argues that Mexico violated its sovereignty by granting asylum to someone accused of a crime. They contend that Chavez should face justice in Peru and that Mexico’s actions undermine the rule of law.
International Law and Asylum
The granting of diplomatic asylum is governed by international law, primarily the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol. Though, the request of these conventions can be complex, especially when the asylum seeker is accused of crimes. Generally, asylum is granted to individuals facing persecution in their home country, not for ordinary criminal offenses.
The principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of other states is also a key consideration. While states have the right to offer asylum, this