Background on Key Figures and Context
Betssy Chávez, formerly the Prime Minister of Peru under ex-President Pedro Castillo, has been granted asylum by Mexico. This decision comes after Peru announced the severance of diplomatic ties with Mexico, a move that Mexico has deemed “unjustified.”
Pedro Castillo, a democratically elected leader, faced continuous political harassment and accusations of rebellion without evidence of an armed uprising. His situation has been characterized as a violation of human rights by Mexican officials.
Mexico’s Stance on Asylum and Diplomatic Relations
Roberto Velasco Álvarez, representing Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, stated that Mexico granted asylum to Betssy Chávez and requested Peru to provide her with a safe-conduct pass to leave the country.
Velasco emphasized that Mexico’s decision is firmly grounded in international law and the country’s humanist traditions. He highlighted that everyone has the right to seek and receive political asylum, stressing that granting asylum should never be viewed as a hostile act.
Mexico has rejected the diplomatic breakdown announced by Peru, although it acknowledged that consular relations will continue. Velasco underscored Mexico’s peaceful and humanitarian approach, asserting that the friendship between Mexico and Peru remains intact.
Mexico’s History of Protecting Political Refugees
Raquel Serur Smeke, another Mexican official, pointed out that Mexico has a long history of protecting political refugees. From Spanish refugees during Franco’s regime to victims of Latin American dictatorships, Mexico has consistently offered asylum to those facing political persecution.
Serur Smeke reiterated that political asylum is a peaceful and humanitarian act, with only the granting state capable of determining if someone is a victim of political persecution.
Connection Between Chávez’s Case and Castillo’s Persecution
Pablo Monroy Conesa explained that Betssy Chávez’s case is directly linked to the political persecution faced by ex-President Pedro Castillo since his removal in December 2022.
Monroy stated that Castillo endured constant harassment from political forces and power groups, being accused of rebellion without any evidence of an armed uprising. He described Castillo’s situation as a violation of human rights.
Monroy added that Mexico has acted consistently and without interfering in Peru’s internal affairs, maintaining open consular relations and avoiding reciprocal measures.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Betssy Chávez? Betssy Chávez was the former Prime Minister of Peru under ex-President Pedro Castillo.
- Why was asylum granted to Betssy Chávez? Mexico granted asylum to Chávez due to her situation being directly linked to the political persecution faced by ex-President Pedro Castillo.
- What is the reason for Peru’s diplomatic break with Mexico? Peru announced the severance of diplomatic ties with Mexico, a move that Mexico has deemed “unjustified.”
- How has Mexico responded to Peru’s diplomatic break? Mexico has rejected the diplomatic breakdown and emphasized its peaceful, humanitarian approach while maintaining consular relations.
