Mexico Files Case Against Ecuador Over Embassy Raid

Mexico's application to the ICJ outlines a series of grievances stemming from the breach of diplomatic protocol by Ecuadorian forces. According to the filing, around 15 special operations agents from Ecuador entered the Mexican Embassy in Quito by force, without proper authorization. The Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. Roberto Canseco Martínez, was reportedly subjected to violent assault during the incident. Furthermore, the agents seized Jorge David Glas Espinel, former Vice-president of Ecuador, who had sought asylum within the embassy premises. These actions, Mexico contends, are not isolated events but part of a broader pattern of intimidation and harassment.

The roots of this dispute trace back to December 2023 when Jorge David Glas Espinel arrived at the Mexican Embassy seeking asylum, which was subsequently granted. Since then, Mexico alleges a series of actions by Ecuador aimed at undermining the inviolability of diplomatic missions and impeding the normal functioning of the embassy.

Specifically, Mexico has asked for the following provisional measures:

1. 1.That the Government of Ecuador takes appropriate and immediate steps to provide full protection and security of diplomatic premises, their property, and archives, preventing any form of intrusion against them.
2. 2.That the Government of Ecuador allows the Mexican Government to clear diplomatic premises and the private residence of diplomatic agents.
3. 3.That the Government of Ecuador ensures that no action is taken which might prejudice the rights of Mexico in respect of any decision which the Court may render on the merits.
4. 4.That the Government of Ecuador refrains from any act or conduct likely to aggravate or widen the dispute of which the Court is sei[s]ed.

1961 Vienna Convention

The 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations is a cornerstone of modern international diplomacy, providing a comprehensive framework for the conduct of diplomatic relations between states. One of the fundamental principles enshrined in the Convention is the inviolability of diplomatic missions, which is articulated in several articles, including Article 22.

Article 22 stats that the premises of the mission shall be inviolable. The agents of the receiving State may not enter them, except with the consent of the head of the mission. It further provides that receiving State is under a special duty to take all appropriate steps to protect the premises of the mission against any intrusion or damage and to prevent any disturbance of the peace of the mission or impairment of its dignity.

This article establishes the principle that diplomatic premises, including embassy buildings and other facilities, are inviolable. It means that the receiving state (the host country) is prohibited from entering these premises without the consent of the head of the diplomatic mission (typically the ambassador). The host country also has a special duty to protect these premises from any intrusion, damage, or disturbance of peace.