In a significant diplomatic escalation, Peru’s Congress has officially declared Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum as ‘persona non grata,’ effectively barring her from entering the country. This decision follows Peru’s recent severance of diplomatic ties with Mexico, triggered by Mexico’s decision to grant asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez. Chávez faces charges related to her alleged involvement in a 2022 coup attempt led by ousted President Pedro Castillo, who sought to dissolve Peru’s Congress. She has since taken refuge in the Mexican embassy in Lima. Mexico has defended its actions, asserting that the asylum offer complies with international law and rejecting Peru’s characterization of the move as ‘unfriendly.’ The Peruvian Congress passed the declaration with a 63-33 vote, further straining relations between the two Latin American nations. During the proceedings, Peruvian legislators also accused Sheinbaum of having ties to drug trafficking, though no evidence was provided to substantiate these claims. Chávez, who was imprisoned in June 2023 and later released on bail in September, denies all charges, while prosecutors are seeking a 25-year sentence. Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela criticized Mexico for allegedly portraying coup leaders as victims and accused Mexico of repeatedly interfering in Peru’s internal affairs. This incident marks the latest in a series of diplomatic clashes between the two countries, including the 2022 expulsion of Mexico’s ambassador after asylum was granted to Castillo’s family. Last September, Peru’s Foreign Relations Committee had already proposed declaring Sheinbaum ‘persona non grata’ for her perceived support of Castillo.