British News Agency

Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela told reporters that Mexico’s decision to grant Chávez asylum at its embassy in Lima constituted a “hostile act” that further escalated existing tensions between the two countries. The office of President José Jerí later accused the Mexican government of “repeatedly interfering” in the internal affairs of the South American nation.

Officials accused Chávez of participating in former President Pedro Castillo’s attempt to declare a state of emergency and dissolve the Peruvian Congress. Castillo failed to gain the army’s support, was swiftly removed by Congress, and arrested after prosecutors charged him with attempting a coup.

The Peruvian Attorney General’s Office charged Chávez with complicity in the crime of rebellion against state authorities and is seeking a prison sentence of up to 25 years. Chávez has denied being aware of Castillo’s plan to dissolve Congress.