Mexico Takes Ecuador to U.N. Court Over Embassy Raid
In a dramatic turn of events, Mexico has taken Ecuador to the top U.N. court, accusing the nation of violating international law by storming the Mexican Embassy in Quito to arrest former Vice President Jorge Glas, who had just been granted asylum by Mexico.
The raid, which took place on April 5, came just hours after Mexico had granted asylum to Glas, a convicted criminal and fugitive who had sought refuge at the embassy in December. The incident has escalated tensions between the two countries, with leaders across Latin America condemning Ecuador’s actions as a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
At the International Court of Justice, Mexico is seeking interim orders known as provisional measures to be put in place while the case progresses through the court, a process that is expected to take several months. Among the measures requested by Mexico are for Ecuador to provide full protection and security of diplomatic premises, prevent any further intrusions, and allow Mexico to clear its diplomatic premises and the homes of its diplomats in the country.
In response, Ecuador has also filed a case at the International Court of Justice, accusing Mexico of using its embassy to shield Glas from enforcement of Ecuadorian criminal law. The court has yet to set a date for hearings in Ecuador’s case against Mexico.
The dispute between Mexico and Ecuador highlights the complex and delicate nature of diplomatic relations between nations, and the role of international law in resolving conflicts between them.