Latin American Governments Rally Around Mexico After Ecuador Embassy Raid

On a late Friday night, Jorge Glas, former vice president of Ecuador, was seized by police from the Mexican embassy in Quito, where he had sought asylum since December. The arrest triggered a swift suspension of relations between Mexico City and Quito.

Several Latin American governments, including Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela and Cuba, condemned the raid on the embassy and arrest of Glas. Mexico's government, under President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, described the incident as an "authoritarian" act and a breach of international law, leading to the suspension of relations with Quito.

International Norms Violated

Brazil's government strongly condemned Ecuador's actions, labeling them as a "clear violation" of international norms prohibiting raids on foreign embassies. Colombia's President Gustavo Petro emphasized the importance of upholding international law in the face of advancing barbarism in the world.

Glas, who had been convicted twice for corruption, had been sentenced to six years in prison in 2017 for accepting bribes from the Brazilian construction firm Odebrecht in exchange for government contracts. Despite seeking political asylum in the Mexican embassy, Ecuadorian authorities had unsuccessfully attempted to arrest him prior to the seizure.

Denial of Political Persecution

Glas maintains that he is a victim of political persecution, a claim refuted by Ecuador's government. The controversial arrest and subsequent transfer of Glas to Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city, have raised concerns about diplomatic relations and adherence to international law.

"Ecuador's move against the embassy must be subject to strong repudiation, whatever the justification for its implementation,"

- Statement from Brazil's Foreign Ministry

The arrest of Jorge Glas has not only strained diplomatic ties between Mexico and Ecuador but also sparked condemnation and concern among other Latin American nations. The incident raises important questions about the respect for international law and the treatment of political asylum seekers.