Ecuadorian authorities made headlines by breaking into the Mexican Embassy in Quito to arrest former Vice President Jorge Glas, who was seeking asylum at the diplomatic facility. The move, which occurred on Friday night, has sparked criticism from various leaders and diplomats.
Who is Jorge Glas?
Jorge Glas is an electrical engineer turned career politician who served as Ecuador's vice president under former President Rafael Correa from 2013 to 2017. He also briefly held the position under President Lenin Moreno. Glas played a key role in managing reconstruction efforts after a devastating earthquake in 2016.
Reason for Seeking Asylum
Glas sought asylum at the Mexican Embassy in December, citing political persecution. This decision coincided with authorities summoning him for questioning in a corruption investigation related to alleged mismanagement of funds earmarked for earthquake recovery.
Past Legal Troubles
Glas has faced legal challenges in the past, including convictions for bribery and corruption. One case involved his ties to the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht, resulting in a six-year prison sentence. He was also sentenced to eight years for involvement in a bribery scheme related to public procurement.
In a controversial turn of events, a judge ordered Glas' release in 2022. However, the same judge is now under investigation for his alleged role in a bribery scheme favoring a drug lord and his family.
The Mexican government granted Glas political asylum just hours before Ecuadorian police raided the embassy to arrest him, leading to a diplomatic standoff between the two countries.
