Mexico granted former PM Betssy Chavez diplomatic asylum.

On Thursday, Peruvian authorities reinforced security outside the Mexican embassy in Lima to prevent the alleged escape of former Prime Minister Betssy Chavez, who has been granted diplomatic asylum since November.

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Peruvian National Police (PNP) commander Oscar Arriola informed that the number of police officers at the Embassy entrances in the San Isidro district tripled in the early morning of December 25.

Chavez was sentenced in November to 11 years, 5 months, and 15 days in prison for alleged conspiracy to commit rebellion, along with former President Pedro Castillo and other collaborators.

The Mexican government granted her diplomatic asylum, but the Peruvian government has not issued the safe-conduct pass that would allow Chavez to leave the country without being arrested, thus maintaining bilateral political tensions.

The day before, Chavez resigned from Castillo’s “Everything with the People” party. Through a public letter, she cited personal reasons, democratic principles, and political consistency.

The text reads, “The dictatorship’s police stage a show in front of the Mexican embassy where Betssy Chavez is seeking asylum. While the people suffer extortion, contract killings, and murders, this is the pathetic role played by Commander Oscar Arriola. No more clowns, no more corrupt officials! United we can.”

Chavez’s lawyer, Raul Noblecilla, shared the resignation letter on social media and affirmed that his client would remain steadfast “on the path to the recovery of the nation.”

The case has generated diplomatic tensions between the countries and led to Peru severing diplomatic relations with Mexico in November 2025, which marks one of the most serious crises in decades.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has defended the right to asylum and declared that it would be a violation of international law if Peruvian forces were to enter the Mexican embassy to capture Chavez.

Previously, Peruvian interim President Jose Jeri stated he was open to “all kinds of possibilities” to capture the former Prime Minister. The Peruvian judiciary issued an international arrest warrant for Chavez and accused her of participating in Castillo’s attempted coup in December 2022.

teleSUR: JP

Source: La Jornada – DW

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