In a dramatic turn of events, Peru's Congress has officially declared Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum as 'persona non grata', meaning she's unwelcome in the country. This decision comes just days after Peru cut diplomatic ties with Mexico due to the latter granting asylum to Betssy Chávez, a former Peruvian prime minister accused of being involved in a 2022 coup attempt.
Chávez remains in refuge at the Mexican embassy in Lima, denying any wrongdoing regarding the allegations of her connection to the ousting of former President Pedro Castillo. Meanwhile, Mexico defended its actions, citing international law and rejecting claims from Peru labeling its move as 'unfriendly.'
The vote in Peru's Congress was overwhelmingly in favor of the declaration, passing 63-33, marking another chapter in the deteriorating relationship between these two Latin American countries. Some legislators went as far as to accuse Sheinbaum of having ties to drug trafficking, although no evidence was provided for these assertions.
Earlier this week, Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela stated that legal experts are reviewing the relevant international conventions that Mexico referenced in its asylum justification. The tensions have been brewing for quite some time, with Peru previously expelling the Mexican ambassador in reaction to similar asylum-related issues involving Castillo's family.
As the situation develops, it highlights the complications and gravity of diplomatic relations in the region, particularly concerning issues of asylum and political asylum seekers. Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding story!
