Ecuador was accused by Mexico of violating international law during a hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. The incident involved the arrest of former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who had sought asylum in the Mexican embassy in December. However, Ecuadorean police apprehended Glas on April 5, despite his diplomatic immunity.
Alejandro Celorio, a legal adviser to Mexico’s foreign ministry, argued that embassies are inviolable under international law and that the assault on the Mexican embassy in Quito was unlawful. Mexico emphasized that this case was not just about its own interests but had implications for the entire international community. As a result, Mexico filed a complaint with the ICJ and demanded that Ecuador be suspended from the United Nations until it issued a public apology and provided reparations.
During the hearing, Mexico requested emergency measures to secure diplomatic premises in Ecuador and allow Mexican officials access to clear out the embassy and diplomats’ residences. However, as the ICJ is known for lengthy legal proceedings, its rulings lack enforcement mechanisms. Thus, it remains uncertain whether these demands will be granted or not.
In response to Mexico’s allegations, Ecuador filed a case against Mexico at the ICJ, claiming that Mexico violated international law by granting asylum to Glas. This development further complicated matters between the two countries and highlighted their diplomatic tensions. The hearing at The Hague underscored the complexities of international law and relations between nations.
Both countries will now await further developments in their respective cases at the ICJ before making any decisions regarding their next course of action.