Mexico has lodged a complaint with the International Court of Justice to have Ecuador removed from the United Nations after a police raid on its embassy in Quito. This action was deemed a violation of international law by Mexico’s President Lopez Obrador, who stated that the court should approve Ecuador’s expulsion without any veto. The Mexican Foreign Minister echoed these sentiments on social media, emphasizing the importance of holding Ecuador accountable for the breach of the embassy’s inviolability and the safety of its staff members.
The dispute between Mexico and Ecuador stems from a police raid on the Mexican embassy in Quito, where former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas was captured. Embassies are considered protected spaces under international law, which means that local police are not allowed to enter them without consent from the head of the mission. Despite not being foreign soil, embassies provide a safe haven for individuals seeking refuge from arrest or harassment by local authorities. In this case, Glas had been avoiding arrest by seeking shelter at the Mexican embassy due to his previous convictions on bribery and corruption charges.
The controversial police raid on the Mexican embassy involved Ecuadorian authorities forcefully entering the premises, resulting in the arrest of Glas. Mexico released video footage showing a diplomatic officer being thrown to the ground as he attempted to block police vehicles leaving with Glas inside. In response to these actions, Mexico has demanded Ecuador’s suspension from the UN until a public apology acknowledging the violation of international law is issued by Ecuador. President Lopez Obrador also cut diplomatic ties with Ecuador following Glas’s arrest, prompting outrage from other countries and international organizations.
The United States and the Organization of American States have criticized Ecuador for its handling of the situation, emphasizing the importance of respecting the guidelines set forth by international law regarding diplomacy. The use of force and the violation of the inviolability of a diplomatic mission are seen as unacceptable ways to resolve conflicts involving asylees. Ecuador has defended its actions by questioning Glas’s eligibility for political asylum and reaffirming its commitment to combating corruption within its borders. The country’s Foreign Minister stated that a public apology is not up for discussion at the moment.
Glas, who has been on a hunger strike in prison, was briefly hospitalized after his arrest, while former president Correa alleged that he had attempted suicide. Correa, who is currently in exile in Belgium, also faces corruption charges in Ecuador. The tense situation between Mexico and Ecuador, stemming from the raid on the Mexican embassy, has raised concerns about the respect for international law and the protection of diplomatic missions. The involvement of the International Court of Justice highlights the gravity of the situation and the need for a diplomatic resolution to prevent further escalation of tensions between the two countries.
