The Government of Ecuador Defended Itself at the International Court of Justice

The Ecuadorian government made its oral defense at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands, regarding the embassy raid that caused a crisis in Mexico-Ecuador relations. The oral arguments of both parties in the case opened following the Ecuadorian police raid on Mexico’s Embassy in Quito on April 5, where they arrested Ecuador’s former Vice President Jorge Glas seeking asylum in Mexico, have concluded at the ICJ.

Ecuador’s Defense

Leading the Ecuadorian defense team, Ecuador’s Ambassador to the Netherlands Andres Teran argued in court that the arrest of former Vice President Glas on April 5 was a process similar to the arrest of an ordinary criminal. Teran stated, “The reasons for the events on April 5 are exceptional and no longer valid. The reason for the situation is simple; Mexico has abused its diplomatic mission in Quito for months to provide asylum to an ordinary criminal,” he said.

Mexico’s Claims

While Mexico argues that the Ecuadorian police, who entered the embassy by force and physically assaulted a diplomat, crossed the line, Ecuador accuses Mexico of exploiting diplomatic asylum practices to prevent justice from taking its course.

Background of the Incident

Former Vice President Glas, convicted twice of corruption and facing other charges, had been staying at Mexico’s Embassy in Quito since December of last year. Shortly after Mexico’s decision to grant asylum to Glas, Ecuadorian police raided the embassy on April 5 and arrested Glas.

Mexico’s Request for Provisional Measures

In the context of the case, Mexico also requested the ICJ judges to issue provisional measures to protect Mexico’s diplomatic missions in Quito. Ambassador Teran of Ecuador stated in today’s session that there is no need for provisional measures as Ecuador guarantees the security of Mexico’s diplomatic missions and assets in the country.