Ecuador's top court rules Mexico embassy raid, Glas arrest 'illegal'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
13 Apr 2024 08:42

The country's national court says that the former vice president will remain in jail until investigations into criminal charges are finalized.

Police officers stand guard outside the Ecuadorian National Assembly in the capital Quito on May 17, 2023. (AFP)

Ecuador's National Court of Justice ruled on Friday that the raiding of the Mexican embassy and the arrest of former vice president Jorge Glas is "illegal and arbitrary."

However, the country's top court said that the ex-senior politician, who was granted political asylum by Mexico, allowing him to take refuge in its embassy, would remain in jail until the criminal investigations into corruption charges are finalized.

Ecuadorian police stormed the Mexican embassy last Saturday using armed vehicles to arrest Glas, in what was considered a clear violation of international law protecting diplomatic facilities. It was publicly condemned by at least 20 countries and numerous international organizations, as well as the United Nations.

President Daniel Noboa said that he ordered the raid, citing "national security" concerns.

Meanwhile, former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa and Glas' friend revealed Wednesday that Glas has gone on hunger strike after a failed suicide attempt.

Glas's lawyers are pursuing his release by submitting a petition to the court, requesting that his detention be deemed unlawful.

UN membership

Following the embassy attack, Mexico severed its ties with Ecuador. Its decision saw backing by Latin America's major countries including Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia. Additionally, the United States and the European Union also condemned Ecuador's embassy raid. Nicaragua later announced it was cutting its diplomatic relations with Quito.

Mexico initiated on Thursday legal proceedings against Ecuador at the International Court of Justice, demanding that Ecuador's membership in the United Nations be suspended unless it presents a public apology for breaching international norms.

Alejandro Celorio, a legal consultant for Mexico's foreign ministry, praised the court's decision, stating that it affirms that Glas was a victim of "political persecution."

Regarding the call to suspend Ecuador from the UN, Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said that this is "an issue for member states to decide," stressing, "We do very much hope that the tensions between Ecuador and Mexico are dealt with through dialogue."

While a thorough hearing on the issue may extend over several years, Mexico has additionally petitioned international judges to issue "provisional measures" to safeguard its diplomatic personnel given that "The Mexican Embassy in Ecuador, along with its property and archives, faces the risk of not being protected or further being violated again."

Dujarric said that such a measure is "an issue for member states to decide."