Peru declares Mexican president persona non grata over asylum row
Peru’s Congress voted on Thursday to declare Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum persona non grata after her government granted asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chavez, who is on trial for allegedly aiding a 2022 coup attempt. The resolution, passed by a 63–33 vote, deepens a growing diplomatic rift between the two countries. Tensions escalated on Monday when Mexico approved asylum for Chavez, prompting Peru to sever formal diplomatic ties. Chavez served as prime minister in December 2022 under then-president Pedro Castillo, who was ousted and arrested after attempting to dissolve Congress during a political standoff. Peru’s acting Congress president, Fernando Rospigliosi, accused Sheinbaum of “interfering” in the country’s internal affairs, saying Mexico’s decision to shelter Chavez violated diplomatic norms.“It has been clearly established that President Sheinbaum interfered not only through statements but also through direct action by granting asylum,” […]