By News Editor 
The Congress of Peru has officially declared Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum as persona non grata, intensifying a growing diplomatic conflict between Lima and Mexico City. This decision blocks Sheinbaum from entering Peru, a move attributed to perceived “unacceptable interference” in Peru’s internal affairs, particularly following Mexico’s support for former president Pedro Castillo, who is currently imprisoned. This political standoff marks a significant shift in relations, with Peru’s government accusing the Mexican administration of overstepping its bounds by granting asylum to Castillo’s allies. *
In related news, alarming reports have surfaced regarding environmental activists in Peru facing potential prison sentences of up to six years for protesting against the Antamina copper mine, co-owned by Glencore, BHP, Teck Resources, and Mitsubishi. Local communities are rallying in solidarity against what they describe as the corporate exploitation of their land. “Solidarity with communities resisting these dirty corporations,” stated one activist on social media.
The diplomatic rupture has raised concerns regarding potential impacts on trade relations between the two countries. The Peruvian government is expected to deliberate on providing safe conduct to the ex-premier currently sheltered at the Mexican embassy in Lima. This decision could further reshape the bilateral interactions, coming at a time when economic stability remains crucial for both nations. The situation in Peru presents a complex panorama, intertwining political strife with social justice issues, as activists defend their rights against what they perceive as corporate overreach amidst escalating tensions in diplomatic relations.