Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum Responds to Peruvian Government Threats Over Asylum for Former Prime Minister

The Peruvian government, led by President José Jerí, made a new threat against the Mexican government after it granted political asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, who is under investigation for her alleged role in the failed 2022 attempt by then President Pedro Castillo to declare a state of emergency and dissolve Peru's Congress as lawmakers prepared to vote on his impeachment.

Chávez has remained inside the Mexican Embassy in Lima since Nov. 2, which has prompted the Jerí administration to consider more aggressive steps to detain her.

In a recent interview, Jerí said he would not rule out the use of force inside the Mexican embassy if authorities decide to carry out an arrest.

"I am not limiting myself and, if entering the Mexican embassy is necessary, it will be done," Jerí said. "I have shown through concrete actions, actions many did not expect, that I do not hesitate."

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded by urging dialogue and respect for international law. She said any attempt to enter the embassy would violate Mexico's sovereignty.

"Such actions would violate all international laws. We can have differences, but always within the framework of international law, not like what occurred in Ecuador, which violated all laws," Sheinbaum said during her morning press conference on Nov. 24.

Sheinbaum stressed the importance of adhering to international law to avoid another episode like the 2024 incident in which the Ecuadorian government entered the Mexican Embassy in Quito to arrest former Vice President Jorge Glas. Mexico had granted Glas political asylum while he faced corruption charges.

"The right to asylum for Betssy Chávez is a right recognized by international human rights laws, a right to asylum within the framework of international relations, and violating these standards is extremely serious," Sheinbaum added.

As reported by Infobae México, Sheinbaum called on the Jerí administration to maintain dialogue and address ideological differences. She also warned that violating international law would bring serious economic and social consequences.

"Dialogue is always the best path. Differences can be expressed, and opinions can be voiced. They decided to break relations with Mexico, but an intervention in the embassy would be outside any legal norm," Sheinbaum said.

Earlier this month, shortly after Mexico announced it was granting political asylum to Chávez, the Peruvian government cut diplomatic ties with Mexico. Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela said Mexico had committed what he described as an unfriendly act by opening an asylum process for Chávez, who is under investigation for rebellion.

The Peruvian Attorney General's Office has accused Chávez of being an accomplice in the crime of rebellion against the powers of the state and is seeking a sentence of up to 25 years in prison.

Since taking office, Sheinbaum has repeatedly expressed support for Castillo and Chávez, which has drawn backlash in Peru.

In September, Peru's Congressional Foreign Affairs Committee declared Sheinbaum persona non grata in response to her continued backing of Castillo, calling her position an unacceptable interference in Peru's internal affairs and an insult to the country's democratic system.