Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori said the government maintains the option to request the extradition of former premier Betssy Chavez, who received diplomatic asylum at the Mexican embassy in Lima.
Fujimori stated from Chongos Bajos province in Junin that an extradition request remains within government powers. She added that while the procedure has not been evaluated yet, it has not been ruled out.
The statement came hours after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the delivery of a safe conduct allowing Chavez Chino to travel to Mexico. The ministry explained in Press Release 032-26, published on the morning of August 7, that the document was granted under Articles V and XII of the 1954 Caracas Convention on Diplomatic Asylum, a treaty linking Peru and Mexico for more than seven decades.
Legal charges and extradition clause
The press release detailed that Chavez Chino was sentenced as a co-author of a crime against state powers in the form of conspiracy for rebellion under Article 349 of the Penal Code. The former minister also remains under investigation by the Illicit Enrichment and Constitutional Complaints Area of the Attorney General's Office. Peruvian authorities transferred this information directly to the Mexican government alongside the safe conduct.
In point five of the statement, the Foreign Ministry specified that the safe conduct does not prevent a future extradition request. Peru reserves the right to request extradition under treaties binding both states if domestic judicial authorities request it later. Fujimori cited this clause to support keeping the extradition option open.
Rejection of political persecution
The Foreign Ministry also addressed allegations of political persecution against Chavez. The Peruvian government emphatically rejected the claim, stating that the nation operates under the rule of law with separation of powers and respect for due process. The ministry maintained that no political motives exist behind the judicial proceedings against the former minister.
OAS consultations and bilateral relations
Peru announced it is promoting a consultation process within the Organization of American States to prevent nations from using diplomatic asylum outside its original intent. The ministry said it seeks to preserve the nature of diplomatic asylum so the mechanism is not used to evade legitimate judicial processes.
The diplomatic statement concluded by highlighting the historic bonds of friendship between Peru and Mexico and reaffirming a commitment to diplomatic dialogue. It also noted both countries remain committed to the free movement of people and goods under the principles of the Pacific Alliance.
