Ecuadorian police broke into Mexico’s embassy, sparking outrage. Why is this such a big deal?
Associated PressApr 06
The detained former Ecuadorian Vice President at the center of a diplomatic row with Mexico, Jorge Glas, has been hospitalized. He is in stable condition after feeling ill, prison authorities stated after his lawyers claimed to be unable to contact him.
Convicted on bribery and corruption charges, Glas was arrested late on Friday when police broke into the Mexican embassy in Quito, where he had been residing since December, hours after he was granted political asylum.
It's no wonder such widespread outrage erupted over this incident. Ecuador has breached long-established rules on diplomatic immunity with its forces raiding Mexico's embassy in Quito and even injuring staff within the premises. Additionally, this arrest violates the regional 1954 Convention on Diplomatic Asylum.
Though some may claim that Ecuador has violated international law with this embassy raid and arrest, it's effectively the other way around. It was Mexico that abused its immunities and privileges to illegitimately grant political asylum and provide refuge to a convicted common criminal. The actions taken in Quito were entirely justified.
There's a 90% chance that Ecuador's Pres. Daniel Noboa will remain in office through the end of his term, according to the Metaculus prediction community.