Betssy Chávez was stripped of parliamentary immunity in March 2023 after serving as Peru’s Prime Minister and facing allegations related to the December 2022 political crisis. Born on June 3, 1989, she became Peru’s seventh female prime minister but her political career took a dramatic turn following her involvement in the controversial events surrounding President Pedro Castillo’s attempted coup.
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Betssy Betzabet Chávez Chino |
| Date of Birth | June 3, 1989 |
| Age | 36 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Ciudad Nueva District, Tacna, Peru |
| Nationality | Peruvian |
| Profession | Attorney, Politician |
| Education | Law degree from Jorge Basadre Grohmann National University |
| Political Party | Perú Libre (formerly) |
| Current Status | In preventive detention |
Who Is Betssy Chávez?
Betssy Chávez is a Peruvian attorney who worked five years in Congress as an advisor, technician, and auxiliary staff member. She rose quickly through Peru’s political ranks, becoming one of the youngest and most prominent female politicians in the country.
She earned her law degree from the National University Jorge Basadre and holds a master’s degree in Constitutional Law from José Carlos Mariátegui University. Her political trajectory began in university, where she served as a student leader and held various positions in student organizations.
Early Life and Education Background
Chávez was born in Ciudad Nueva District, Tacna, Peru, and studied law at Jorge Basadre Grohmann National University. During her university years, she actively participated in student politics, which laid the foundation for her future political career.
From a young age, she participated in politics as a school mayor at her school, then at Jorge Basadre University in Tacna as a student leader while studying Communication Sciences before switching to Law. Her professors remember her as an active student in university politics.
Her family belongs to the evangelical church, and she grew up with strong values of fraternity and solidarity. These early experiences shaped her approach to public service and political engagement.
Political Career Journey
Congressional Entry
At 24 years old, she ran as Regional Councilor for César Acuña’s party but was not elected. She later worked in the parliamentary offices of her fellow citizens Natalie Condori and Jorge Castro. In 2020, she participated in complementary congressional elections with Perú Libre but didn’t achieve the expected success.
The following year, she managed to enter the current Congress with less than 10,000 valid votes out of a total of 200,000 eligible voters due to the party’s overall performance.
Minister of Labor
In October 2021, she assumed the Ministry of Labor and Employment Promotion following the departure of Iber Maraví. Her tenure was marked by controversy, particularly surrounding labor strikes.
In May 2022, Congress censured her with 71 votes in favor and 28 against, holding her politically responsible for the air traffic controllers’ strike that generated economic losses during Easter Week.
Minister of Culture
Almost three months after her censure, Chávez returned to the Cabinet to occupy the Ministry of Culture, replacing Alejandro Salas. This appointment raised eyebrows given her recent censure, but it demonstrated her close relationship with President Pedro Castillo.
Prime Minister Appointment
She served as prime minister of Peru from November 26 until December 7, 2022. She was Peru’s seventh female prime minister and the fifth Prime Minister appointed by President Pedro Castillo. Her appointment was seen by political observers as evidence of ongoing political instability in the government.
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The December 2022 Crisis and Desafuero
What Does “Desaforan” Mean?
The term desaforan refers to the process by which a political figure is stripped of parliamentary immunity, allowing them to face legal prosecution. This is a significant legal mechanism in Peru that removes the constitutional protections typically afforded to members of Congress.
The Events Leading to Her Desafuero
The end of her days in the Government Palace came on December 7, 2022, with Pedro Castillo’s attempted coup. On that day, President Castillo announced the dissolution of Congress and declared a state of emergency, an action widely condemned as an attempted coup.
On March 22, 2023, former President of the Council of Ministers Betssy Chávez was stripped of immunity through the suspension mechanism in her capacity as parliamentarian while investigations continue in the Public Ministry for alleged crimes of rebellion and conspiracy, as a co-author.
The Plenary approved suspending Betssy Chávez Chino from her position with 66 votes in favor, 15 against, and 3 abstentions.
Replacement in Congress
Isaac Mita Alanoca was sworn in as congressman on Wednesday, March 29, replacing the suspended Betssy Chávez. The incorporation occurred in accordance with what is established in the first paragraph of article 25 of the Congress regulations.
Legal Proceedings and Detention
Preventive Detention Order
On a Tuesday, the former head of the Council of Ministers, Betssy Chavez, was detained by police at her home in Tacna due to a court order for 18 months of preventive detention against her. The Public Prosecutor’s Office must demonstrate her possible participation in Pedro Castillo’s failed coup attempt during this time.
The next day, Chavez was taken by a police plane to the capital to attend the identity control hearing in the Judicial Branch and subsequently be transferred to Ancón II prison.
Current Detention Status
The Judicial Branch declared unfounded the request for cessation of preventive detention presented by Betssy Chávez Chino for the alleged crime of rebellion. Judge Juan Carlos Checkley of the Supreme Court of Preparatory Investigation established that there are no new elements that would allow reversing the imposed measure.
The congresswoman is held in preventive detention in maximum security prison. Her cell is small, measuring 2m x 2.5 meters, and she sleeps on the floor with two other inmates. She has to sleep next to the bathroom.
Recent Developments
During transfer to the oral trial for the case of Pedro Castillo’s attempted coup, former Labor Minister Betsy Chávez suffered a decompensation and fainted while en route to the oral trial. This incident occurred during an ongoing judicial process in April 2025.
Personal Life and Relationships
Family Background
Her family comes from Tacna, a border region in southern Peru. She and her family belong to the evangelical church, and Chávez has always had a spirit of fraternity and solidarity.
Controversial Personal Relationships
On June 6, 2022, Minister Betssy Chávez celebrated her 33rd birthday. The celebration was attended by Congressman Roberto Kamiche, Labor Vice Minister Edilberto Jaime Ríos, and her then-denied boyfriend, businessman Abel Sotelo.
Days after this celebration, Abel Sotelo also had a birthday, and the current premier had already given him great gifts: two high-level positions for his father Antonio Sotelo in the Ministry of Labor, a job for his brother Marco Antonio Sotelo in her Congress office, and a job commitment for the younger sister, Flor de María Sotelo.
This relationship became a major controversy, with allegations of influence peddling and nepotism overshadowing her political career.
Controversies and Investigations
Alleged Influence Peddling
She is currently under investigation for alleged influence peddling for improper use of office because she allegedly favored family members with the surname Sotelo. According to investigations, Antonio and Abel Sotelo, father and son, work for the State and have very close ties with the Perú Libre party.
Thesis Plagiarism Allegations
During her time as prime minister, allegations surfaced regarding the plagiarism of her thesis. These accusations added to the growing list of controversies surrounding her rapid political ascent.
Ministry Irregularities
Before being elected as premier, she was the main head of the Ministry of Culture. However, she also faced questions. The National Authority of the Civil Service (Servir) reported that the two vice ministers did not meet the requirements to assume the positions.
Political Positions and Ideology
At that time, she fervently defended Vladimir Cerrón’s ideals, despite corruption investigations against the founder of Perú Libre party. However, in May 2021, as an elected congresswoman from Perú Libre, Vladimir Cerrón gave her maximum confidence by giving her the first spokesperson position of the pencil caucus.
She later distanced herself from Perú Libre and joined the Perú Democrático parliamentary group, showing her ability to navigate political alliances based on opportunities rather than strict ideological commitment.
Impact on Peruvian Politics
Setting Precedents
The decision to strip Betsy Chávez of immunity sends a clear message that no politician, regardless of their status, is above the law. This could lead to greater scrutiny of other officials and a more rigorous approach to tackling corruption.
Gender Implications
Chávez’s situation also raises questions about the role of women in Peruvian politics. As one of the most prominent female figures in the country’s political sphere, her fall from grace could deter other women from seeking office. However, it could also inspire a new wave of female leaders determined to fight against the challenges of political life.
Political Instability
Her rapid rise and dramatic fall epitomize the political instability that has plagued Peru in recent years. Her appointment was seen by political observers as evidence of ongoing political instability in President Castillo’s administration.
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Conclusion
The case of Betsy Chávez marks a pivotal moment in Peruvian politics, highlighting the strength and fragility of political figures. Her loss of immunity could either end her influence or set the stage for a comeback.
From a young student activist in Tacna to becoming Peru’s seventh female Prime Minister, Betssy Chávez’s political trajectory was meteoric. However, her career was equally rapid in its descent, marked by controversies over personal relationships, allegations of influence peddling, and ultimately, her involvement in one of Peru’s most significant constitutional crises in recent history.
Her story serves as a reminder of the complexities of Peruvian politics, where personal ambition, institutional weakness, and political instability create a volatile environment. Whether she will emerge from this crisis to continue her political career remains uncertain, but her case has already left a lasting impact on discussions about accountability, women in politics, and the rule of law in Peru.
The ongoing legal proceedings will determine her ultimate fate, but her story has already become a cautionary tale about the rapid rise to power and the equally swift consequences when political ambition intersects with constitutional crises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “desaforan a Betsy Chaves” mean?
“Desaforan” refers to the process of stripping a politician of parliamentary immunity. In Betsy Chávez’s case, Congress removed her immunity in March 2023, allowing her to face criminal prosecution for alleged rebellion and conspiracy related to Pedro Castillo’s attempted coup in December 2022.
Why was Betssy Chávez detained?
She was detained and placed under 18 months of preventive detention while prosecutors investigate her alleged participation in President Pedro Castillo’s failed coup attempt on December 7, 2022. She faces charges of rebellion and conspiracy as a co-author of the events.
How long was Betssy Chávez Prime Minister?
She served as Peru’s Prime Minister for only 12 days, from November 26 to December 7, 2022. Her tenure ended abruptly when President Pedro Castillo attempted a coup, which led to his removal from office and her eventual detention.
What is Betssy Chávez’s current legal status?
As of 2025, she remains in preventive detention at the Women’s Annex prison in Chorrillos, Lima. The Judicial Branch has rejected her requests for cessation of preventive detention, and she continues to face trial for rebellion and conspiracy charges.
What was the controversy with the Sotelo family?
Betssy Chávez was investigated for allegedly using her position to provide government jobs to family members of Abel Sotelo, reportedly her romantic partner. His father received two positions in the Ministry of Labor, his brother got a job in her congressional office, and his sister was also employed in public positions during Chávez’s time in government.
