Quito, Ecuador – Latin American governments, led by Brazil and Mexico, have condemned the arrest of Ecuador’s former vice president, Jorge Glas, who was taken into custody on corruption charges after seeking refuge at the Mexican embassy. The controversial move by Ecuadorian authorities to raid the embassy and detain Glas prompted a swift response from Mexico, resulting in the suspension of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Governments across the region expressed solidarity with Mexico, denouncing the breach of international law and diplomatic norms in the handling of asylum-seeking individuals. Many Latin American leaders criticized Ecuador’s actions, emphasizing the sanctity of embassy grounds as sovereign territory under international law.
Amid escalating tensions, the Organization of American States called for dialogue to resolve the dispute and ensure compliance with international treaties protecting the right to asylum. Colombia’s president emphasized the importance of upholding international law in the face of increasing global challenges.
Glas, a former ally of ex-President Rafael Correa, has faced multiple corruption charges, including allegations of accepting bribes from a prominent construction company in exchange for government contracts. Despite claiming political persecution, Ecuadorian authorities pursued his arrest, leading to a dramatic confrontation at the embassy in Quito.
The Mexican government, supported by regional allies, decried Ecuador’s actions as authoritarian and criticized the violation of diplomatic conventions. As the situation unfolds, diplomatic relations between the two countries remain strained, raising concerns about the implications for asylum seekers and the rule of law in the region.
In response to the escalating crisis, the United States urged Ecuador and Mexico to resolve their differences peacefully and in accordance with international norms. The incident has sparked a broader debate on the importance of upholding diplomatic immunity and asylum protections in an increasingly volatile political landscape.