Former Vice President Jorge Glas Arrested in Ecuador
Former Vice President Jorge Glas was arrested by Ecuadorean authorities on Friday evening, following a tense situation at Mexico’s embassy in Quito.
Arrest at Mexico’s Embassy
Police forcefully entered Mexico’s embassy in Quito to make the arrest, as confirmed by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.
Background
Glas, who served as vice president under the leftist government of Rafael Correa from 2013 to 2017, had been seeking political asylum in the embassy since December. Mexico granted his request for asylum earlier on Friday.
Escalating Tensions
The arrest of Glas led to a suspension of bilateral relations between Mexico and Ecuador. This came after Ecuador declared Mexico’s ambassador persona non grata due to comments made by President Lopez Obrador.
Legal Controversy
Ecuador criticized Mexico’s asylum offer as illegal, accusing Mexico of violating diplomatic norms. President Lopez Obrador condemned the arrest as authoritarian and a breach of international law and Mexican sovereignty.
Immediate Response
Mexico promptly suspended diplomatic ties with Ecuador following the arrest of Glas, as announced by Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena.
Corruption Charges
Glas was convicted twice for corruption, including receiving bribes from the Brazilian construction firm Odebrecht in exchange for government contracts. He also faces a preventive arrest warrant in another corruption case.
Political Context
Glas has claimed he is being persecuted for his political beliefs, a charge denied by the Ecuadorean government. Tensions between Ecuador and Mexico were further fueled by comments made by President Lopez Obrador regarding Ecuador’s recent elections.
Recent Developments in Ecuador
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa, who took office amid challenges with drug gangs, declared a nationwide state of emergency earlier this year, which was extended last month.