Fri Nov 07 07:14:25 UTC 2025: ## News Article: Peru Bans Mexican President Sheinbaum Amid Diplomatic Spat
Lima, Peru – Peru has declared Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum “persona non grata,” effectively barring her from entering the country. The move follows Peru’s recent severing of diplomatic ties with Mexico, escalating a dispute sparked by Mexico granting asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chavez.
Peru’s Congress voted 63-34 on Thursday in favor of the symbolic ban, a direct response to Chavez seeking refuge in the Mexican embassy in Lima after facing trial for her alleged involvement in a 2022 coup attempt. Chavez, who served briefly as Prime Minister under President Pedro Castillo, faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted. She denies the charges.
The Peruvian government views Mexico’s decision to grant asylum as interference in its internal affairs. Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela called the move an “unfriendly act.” Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains it acted within international law and denies any intervention.
Adding fuel to the fire, Peruvian Congressman Ernesto Bustamante accused Sheinbaum of having ties to drug traffickers during the congressional debate.
The designation of “persona non grata” is typically reserved for foreign diplomats and is a strong rebuke of a foreign government. Peru has yet to grant safe passage for Chavez to leave the embassy and travel to Mexico. The diplomatic row underscores deepening tensions between the two nations.
First Piper 