Overview
- Chávez has been unlocatable and skipped hearings on Oct. 28, 30 and 31 after a medical leave expired on Oct. 25, with her lawyers saying they lack contact and medical proof.
- The Sala Penal Especial granted a last dispensation and said it will declare her contumacious and instruct police to locate and capture her if she fails to attend on Nov. 4, when closing arguments are scheduled to begin.
- A medical certificate previously presented for Chávez was disavowed by the clinic, and prosecutors referred a possible offense against public faith to the Santa Anita prosecutor’s office.
- Prosecutors accuse the former prime minister as an alleged co-author of rebellion tied to Dec. 7, 2022, and are seeking a 25-year prison sentence.
- Chávez remains under a 10-month travel ban ordered Sept. 12, and the Public Ministry has requested expanded conduct rules limiting contact with diplomats and embassy visits.