Latin American nations have united in condemnation following Ecuador’s controversial raid on the Mexican embassy in Quito, which aimed to apprehend a contentious politician granted political asylum.
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela joined in sharply rebuking Ecuador, hours after the apprehension of Ecuador’s former Vice President Jorge Glas. Nicaragua followed Mexico in severing diplomatic ties with Quito.
The raid, occurring late Friday night, witnessed special forces surrounding the Mexican embassy in Quito’s financial hub. At least one agent scaled the walls to extract Glas, who had sought asylum in December amid corruption charges.
Mexican authorities granted asylum to Glas on Friday, leading to his arrest and subsequent transport to a jail in Guayaquil. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador condemned the incursion as authoritarian and a violation of international law.
Under the Vienna Convention, embassies are deemed sovereign territory. Brazil denounced Ecuador’s actions as a “clear violation” of international norms.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro emphasized the importance of upholding international law amidst escalating tensions. The United States and the United Nations Secretary-General also expressed concern and urged moderation in resolving the dispute.
The Organization of American States called for dialogue, emphasizing adherence to international treaties safeguarding the right to asylum.
Amidst the diplomatic turmoil, the Mexican embassy in Quito remained surrounded by police. Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the evacuation of diplomatic personnel and their families on Sunday.
Outside Ecuador’s embassy in Mexico City, demonstrators condemned Quito’s actions as fascist. Mexico’s top diplomat Alicia Barcena expressed shock at the incursion, highlighting the injuries sustained by embassy personnel during the raid.
Glas, former vice president under Rafael Correa’s presidency, faces corruption charges and alleges political persecution. Correa, exiled in Belgium, decried the raid as unprecedented, alleging Glas’s mistreatment during his apprehension.
