Peru announced Monday that it has severed diplomatic relations with Mexico after the latter granted asylum to former Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, who is under investigation for her alleged involvement in the 2022 attempted coup led by then-President Pedro Castillo.

Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela said during a press conference that Lima learned “with deep regret” that Chávez had been granted asylum at the Mexican ambassador’s residence in the capital, calling the move “unfriendly.”

He added that the decision follows repeated instances in which current and former Mexican leaders “interfered in Peru’s internal affairs,” prompting the government to end diplomatic ties immediately.

Mexico’s Foreign Ministry criticized Peru’s decision as “excessive and disproportionate,” insisting that granting asylum is a legitimate act under international law.

Relations between the two countries have deteriorated sharply since Castillo’s removal in December 2022. Peru previously expelled the Mexican ambassador after Mexico granted asylum to Castillo’s family, and recalled its own envoy in protest against statements by former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador supporting Castillo.