Ousted Peruvian president’s family arrives in Mexico City

By Jorge Antonio Rocha

MEXICO CITY (AA) - The family of former Peruvian President of Pedro Castillo arrived Wednesday in Mexico City where they sought refuge after political turmoil in their native country, according to a senior Mexican official.

Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard announced on Twitter that Castillo's wife, Lilia Paredes, and the couple’s two young children, Arnold and Alondra Castillo, arrived in Mexico City.

"I inform you that Pedro Castillo's family is already in Mexico City. Our country has honored its tradition of asylum. I recognize Ambassador Pablo Monroy for the effectiveness of his efforts in complex circumstances," he wrote.

The Mexican government's support for the family of Pedro Castillo, who is still being held on charges of rebellion and conspiracy, was not carried out without cost to diplomatic relations between the two countries.

After Castillo's family took refuge at the embassy, the Peruvian government expelled Mexican Ambassador Pablo Monroy and labeled him "persona non grata," giving him three days to leave Peru.

Ebrard denounced this decision and reiterated Mexico’s support for Castillo and his family.

​​​​​​​Ebrard said Dec. 20 that the family contacted his government seeking political asylum and that they were at the Mexican Embassy in Peru to begin the process.