Breaking International Law: Mexico Accuses Ecuador of Raiding Embassy in Quito and Demands Emergency Measures from ICJ

Ecuador has been accused by Mexico at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) of violating international law by raiding its embassy in Quito. The incident involves the arrest of former Vice President of Ecuador, Jorge Glas, who was residing in the Mexican embassy since December after being convicted of corruption. He was apprehended on April 5 by Ecuadorean police shortly after Mexico granted him asylum status.

At the ICJ hearing, Alejandro Celoria, a legal adviser to Mexico’s foreign ministry, emphasized that there is no international law that justifies the breach of embassy inviolability or the conduct of a lawful operation like the assault on the Mexican embassy. He stressed that this case is significant not only for Mexico but for the international community as a whole, highlighting the importance of upholding the immunity of diplomats and diplomatic premises in fostering positive relations between nations.

Mexico promptly brought the matter to the ICJ after the raid, seeking emergency measures to protect its embassy and other diplomatic properties in Ecuador, as well as requesting access for Mexican officials to secure diplomatic buildings and diplomats’ private residences in the country. The ICJ process typically involves lengthy proceedings before a final ruling is issued, and while decisions made by the court are binding, enforcement mechanisms are limited.

Ecuador is expected to present its response to Mexico’s call for emergency measures at