Peru deepens its political crisis as a Judge orders the arrest of ex-premier Betssy Chávez, citing her alleged role in an attempted coup in late 2022.
Peru’s long-running political turmoil intensified on Friday November 21, 2025, after a court issued an International Arrest Warrant for former prime minister Betssy Chávez, accusing her of participating in the failed power grab that brought down President Pedro Castillo two years ago.
The ruling marks a major escalation in the standoff between Lima and Mexico City, where Chávez has taken refuge inside the Mexican embassy after requesting asylum earlier this month. Peruvian authorities have rejected what they describe as foreign interference, and diplomatic ties with Mexico have collapsed amid the dispute.
Chávez, a key ally of Castillo during his turbulent Presidency, is accused of supporting his attempt to dissolve Congress in December 2022. The move, carried out as lawmakers prepared yet another impeachment vote, was swiftly denounced by Peru’s institutions, the armed forces, and most of the international community. Castillo was arrested within hours and later charged with rebellion and abuse of authority.
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Prosecutors claim Chávez played a role in coordinating the failed effort, allegations she denies. She was initially released on bail as the investigation continued, but sought asylum at the Mexican ambassador’s residence after new legal proceedings intensified. Her request remains under review by Peruvian authorities, who must decide whether she will be granted safe passage out of the country.
Castillo, who remains in preventive detention, has maintained that his actions were lawful and aimed at resolving a political blockade created by a hostile Congress. His supporters describe him as a victim of elite interests opposed to his rise from rural poverty to the Presidency, while critics argue his administration was marked by instability, corruption allegations, and repeated constitutional clashes.
The court’s latest decision not only authorizes international cooperation to secure Chávez’s arrest but also orders five months of pretrial detention once she is in custody. Prosecutors are seeking a 25-year prison term for the former Prime Minister and a 34-year sentence for Castillo.
The crisis has further polarized Peru, where successive Presidents and cabinets have fallen amid bitter political struggles. With Chávez now inside a foreign embassy and Peru refusing to grant her safe passage, the dispute risks deepening diplomatic tensions while prolonging the country’s domestic uncertainty.
Authorities have not indicated when they expect to enforce the arrest warrant, but Friday’s ruling signals that the legal battle surrounding the 2022 crisis is far from over.
