Ecuador has filed a lawsuit against Mexico at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) following Mexico City’s decision to grant asylum to Ecuador’s former vice president at its embassy in Quito. The suit, filed on April 29, alleges that Mexico has violated international obligations by providing asylum to Jorge Glas.
According to the Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mexico’s actions constitute a breach of international law and interference in Ecuador’s internal affairs. The ICJ is the world’s leading court for resolving legal disputes between countries over alleged violations of international law. Its decisions are binding, but enforcement depends on the compliance of the parties involved.
On April 5, Ecuadorian police raided the Mexican embassy in Quito in an attempt to arrest Glas. Following his release from prison in November 2022, Glas sought asylum at the Mexican embassy after facing a new arrest warrant for embezzlement of earthquake relief funds.
In response to the police raid, Mexico City severed diplomatic ties with Quito and filed a counter-lawsuit against Ecuador at the ICJ. The trial is set to commence on April 30. Various countries and organizations, including the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations, have criticized Ecuador for violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa defended the raid as necessary, citing concerns that Glas could evade justice. Despite medical treatment, Glas was returned to prison to face pending legal charges.