"Mexico's request for a safe conduct pass for Glas generates political debate in Ecuador."

The recent request from the Mexican Secretariat of Foreign Relations (SRE) to the Ecuadorian government for a safe conduct pass for former Vice President Jorge David Glas Espinel has sparked extensive debate in the political and social spheres of both countries. This request, formalized on August 5, 2024, is based on the 1954 Convention on Diplomatic Asylum, a treaty that establishes the norms for the protection of those seeking refuge abroad. The fact that the request was made through the Swiss government, under a previously signed agreement to safeguard Mexican interests in Ecuador, demonstrates a diplomatic approach that seeks international collaboration in a case that has captured public attention. Mexico has requested that Glas be transferred to a third country, in accordance with Article XIX of the Caracas Convention, which adds a layer of complexity to an already complicated situation. In addition to the request for a safe conduct pass, the SRE has emphasized the need for immediate humanitarian measures to ensure the release and safe custody of Glas, who is in critical health condition in the maximum-security prison La Roca in Guayaquil. The delicate health condition of the former vice president has been a recurring factor in his defense arguments, which has unsuccessfully attempted to present habeas corpus petitions for his release since his incarceration. Glas, convicted on two final sentences related to the Odebrecht corruption scandals and the 2012-2016 bribery scandal, as well as a preventive detention order linked to the investigation into the Reconstruction of Manabí, has become a symbol of the anti-corruption fight in Ecuador. His situation has elicited diverse reactions, both supportive and critical, reflecting the political polarization in the country. Mexico's decision to grant political asylum to Glas, made on April 4, 2024, was based on a thorough assessment of his situation, highlighting the pro persona principle that governs the Mexican Constitution. This principle states that in any case of interpretation of human rights, the option that most favors the individual should be chosen, which aligns with the humanitarian tradition that characterizes Mexico on the international stage. However, to date, the Ecuadorian Foreign Ministry has not confirmed the receipt of the safe conduct request. This lack of response could be interpreted as a sign of tensions between the two governments, as well as the complexity of Glas's case, which involves not only legal issues but also political and diplomatic sensitivities. The context of this request is framed within a broader landscape of bilateral relations, where Mexico's foreign policy seeks to position itself as a country that defends human rights and political asylum. However, Glas's case raises questions about how these principles are balanced with the considerations of sovereignty and justice that the Ecuadorian government upholds regarding corruption and accountability. The stance of the Ecuadorian government on this matter will be crucial in determining Glas's future and the viability of the Mexican request. Ecuador's response could influence diplomatic relations between the two countries, as well as the public perception of how corruption cases are handled in the region. In this context, Jorge David Glas's case is not only a judicial matter but has evolved into a scenario of political and diplomatic relevance. Media attention, public opinion, and human rights organizations will closely follow developments in this issue, which not only affects those involved but also has broader implications for asylum politics and human rights in Latin America.