Ecuador’s Promise of Protection Holds Up in ICJ Ruling on Mexico Embassy Raid

Mexico sought emergency measures from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) after Ecuador breached international law during a raid on the Mexican embassy in Quito. The ICJ presiding judge, Nawaf Salam, rejected Mexico’s request stating that Ecuador had already promised to protect the diplomatic premises and residences of Mexican diplomats. The court decided that Ecuador’s assurances of protection were sufficient to address the situation and no further emergency measures were deemed necessary.

Ecuador’s former Vice President Jorge Glas was living in the Mexican embassy since December after being granted asylum status by Mexico. He was captured on April 5 by Ecuadorean police shortly after being granted asylum status. The case regarding the raid and protection of diplomatic premises has been closely monitored by the ICJ. Despite Mexico’s concerns, the court decided that Ecuador’s assurances of protection were enough to address the situation, and no further emergency measures were deemed necessary.