Peru's government has announced it will delay its decision on safe passage for former Prime Minister Betssy Chávez to travel to Mexico, where she was granted political asylum. Instead, it will prioritize reforms to international asylum standards at the OAS. This comes amid diplomatic tensions between Peru and Mexico following the breakdown of relations.
Betssy Chávez, former prime minister under ex-President Pedro Castillo, faces rebellion charges for her alleged role in a coup attempt on December 7, 2022, when Castillo sought to dissolve Congress to remain in power. Mexico granted her political asylum on the previous Monday, and Chávez took refuge in the Mexican embassy in Lima, where she currently resides amid her ongoing trial.
Peruvian President José Jerí, of conservative leanings, confirmed on Friday that Chávez 'will not be able to travel to Mexico' until a decision is made on her safe passage. 'We are not going to pronounce on it yet and, consequently, (Chávez) will not be able to travel to Mexico yet,' Jerí told journalists. Peru's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that night it would initiate consultations with Organization of American States (OAS) members to amend the 1954 Caracas Convention, arguing that the right to asylum has been distorted by applying it to those prosecuted for common crimes in democracies.
"The right of asylum has been distorted and granted to those who do not suffer persecution in democratic states, but who are being prosecuted or even sentenced for common crimes," the foreign ministry stated in its communiqué. Peru has consulted regional jurists and considers this practice undermines the convention's essence. No timeline was given for the decision on Chávez.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum maintains that Chávez is a victim of political persecution and has requested safe passage. This dispute prompted Peru to break diplomatic ties with Mexico early in the week, worsening tensions since 2023 when there were no mutual ambassadors. In 2022, Mexico granted asylum to Lilia Paredes, Castillo's wife, and Peru allowed her departure. Sheinbaum and left-leaning Colombian President Gustavo Petro have been declared unwelcome by Peru's Congress; Petro expressed solidarity with Sheinbaum on Friday.