Asylum in Mexico: A Breach of International Law in the Ecuadorian Case”.

Mexico City granted asylum to Ecuador’s former vice president, Jorge Glas, at its embassy in Quito. This move was seen as a violation of international obligations by the Ecuadorian government, which filed a lawsuit against Mexico at the International Court of Justice on April 29.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ecuador stated that Mexico’s actions were 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 is reliant on the compliance of the parties involved.

In November 2022, Glas was released from prison in Ecuador after being sentenced for corruption linked to Odebrecht, a Brazilian construction company. After his release, he faced a new arrest warrant for embezzlement of earthquake relief funds and sought asylum at the Mexican embassy in Quito.

Following the police raid on April 5 to arrest Glas, Mexico City severed diplomatic ties with Quito and filed a counter-lawsuit at the ICJ against Ecuador. The trial is scheduled to begin on April 30. Various countries and organizations 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 if he remained free in Mexico. Despite medical treatment, Glas was returned to prison to face pending legal charges.

This incident highlights the complexities involved when nations attempt to enforce their laws across borders. While there are mechanisms in place for resolving disputes between countries, ultimately compliance with court decisions is dependent on individual nations’ willingness to adhere to them.