Ecuador Files Complaint at U.N. Court Over Mexico's Asylum Grant to Former Vice President

On April 5, Ecuador filed a complaint at the International Court of Justice in the Netherlands against Mexico's decision to grant political asylum to former Ecuadorian vice president, Jorge Glas. This move intensified the already ongoing diplomatic dispute between the two countries.

Illegal Asylum and Raid

Ecuador's complaint accuses Mexico of unlawfully granting political asylum to Glas, who was wanted on corruption convictions and not for political reasons. The complaint also highlights Mexico's failure to comply with its obligations not to grant asylum to individuals who are being prosecuted or convicted for common crimes. It further alleges that Mexico's action amounted to interference in Ecuador's internal affairs.

The highly unusual raid took place in the Mexican embassy in Quito, where Ecuadorian authorities forcibly entered to arrest Glas, just hours after Mexico had granted him asylum. Security camera footage released by Mexico's government showed Ecuadorian police scaling the embassy walls, breaking into the building, and carrying Glas out, despite efforts by Mexico's head of consular affairs to prevent their entry.

International Condemnation and Diplomatic Fallout

The raid on the embassy was met with swift condemnation from legal experts, Latin American presidents, and diplomats. In solidarity with Mexico, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro ordered the closure of his country’s embassy and consulates in Ecuador. In retaliation, Mexico broke diplomatic relations with Ecuador, recalled its diplomatic staff, and closed its embassy and consulates. Mexico also filed a complaint with the International Court of Justice, asking for the protection of its diplomatic premises and the homes of its diplomats in Ecuador, as well as seeking reparation and the suspension of Ecuador from the United Nations.