Ecuador has filed a complaint at the International Court of Justice in the Netherlands against Mexico for granting political asylum to a former Ecuadorian vice president, Jorge Glas. The move led to Ecuadorian authorities raiding the Mexican embassy in Quito to arrest Glas, who had been living there since December. Mexico had granted him asylum, claiming he was being persecuted for political reasons. However, Ecuador argues that Glas was a fugitive wanted on corruption convictions and not eligible for Mexico’s diplomatic protection.
The security camera footage released by Mexico’s government shows Ecuadorian police breaking into the embassy and forcibly removing Glas, despite the inviolability of diplomatic premises under international treaties. Mexico has condemned Ecuador’s actions as a violation of international law and immediately broke diplomatic relations with the country. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro even closed his country’s embassy and consulates in Ecuador in solidarity with Mexico. Legal experts, Latin American presidents, and diplomats have also criticized Ecuador’s extremely rare show of force.
Glas is now being held at a maximum security prison in Guayaquil, as he faces investigations for alleged irregularities during his management of earthquake reconstruction efforts in 2016. He has previously been convicted in two separate bribery and corruption cases. Mexico has filed a complaint with the World Court asking for Ecuador to provide full protection and security of its diplomatic premises, prevent any further intrusions, and allow Mexico to clear its diplomatic premises and the homes of its diplomats in the country. Mexico also seeks reparation and suspension of Ecuador from the United Nations.
Ecuador’s complaint accuses Mexico of unlawfully granting Glas political asylum and interfering in its internal affairs. Ecuador claims that Mexico failed to comply with its obligations not to grant asylum to individuals facing prosecution or trial for common crimes or convictions by competent courts. The dispute has intensified into a high-profile diplomatic quarrel at the top U.N. court, with both countries filing complaints against each other. Ecuador’s move to raid the Mexican embassy in Quito has led to condemnation from various quarters.
Hearings on Mexico’s case are set to begin on Tuesday at the International Court of Justice. The legal battle between Ecuador and Mexico over the asylum granted to Jorge Glas has raised questions about the inviolability of diplomatic premises and the obligations of countries when granting political protection. The outcome of the case at the U.N. court could have implications for diplomatic relations between the two countries and for international norms governing asylum and the sanctity of diplomatic missions. The dispute has drawn attention from legal experts, Latin American leaders, and diplomats, as both countries seek a resolution to the conflict.
