Peru orders arrest of former prime minister who is in Mexican asylum in Lima

(Patria) - A judge of Peru's Supreme Court yesterday ordered the arrest and five-month preventive detention of former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chavez, who is currently in asylum at the Mexican embassy in the Peruvian capital, Lima, Reuters reported.

Chavez briefly served as prime minister during the administration of ousted and imprisoned former President Pedro Castillo. She is being prosecuted for the alleged crime of conspiracy against the state and participation in Castillo's attempt to shut down Congress in late 2022.

Prosecutors are seeking a 25-year prison sentence for Chavez, who denies knowing about Castillo's plan.

The arrest warrant, issued on November 18 by Supreme Court Judge Juan Carlos Checkley and made public on Friday, has been sent to the national police and Interpol, according to a court ruling reviewed by Reuters.

Mexico granted asylum to the former Peruvian prime minister in early November, prompting Peru to break diplomatic relations with Mexico.

Peru's Foreign Ministry said it would consult with the Organization of American States before deciding whether to grant safe passage to the former prime minister.

Castillo, who is in preventive detention and on trial for rebellion, defended Chavez during a court hearing on Friday and dismissed the charges against her.

- I am not here to seek an acquittal. I am not here to ask for a pardon or sympathy. I am here to demand justice - he said during the trial, which began in March and is now in its final phase.

Chavez had been in prison since June 2023 and was released in September to defend herself from freedom.