Ecuador rejects the asylum of Jorge Glas and closes the door to his safe conduct.

The Ecuadorian government, under the administration of Daniel Noboa, has reaffirmed its stance regarding the asylum requested by former Vice President Jorge Glas, stating that the passage required by the Mexican government will not be granted. This decision is based on the consideration that the asylum granted to Glas on April 5 is not "lawful," as Ecuadorian authorities classify him as a "common criminal" and not as a "political persecuted individual." Glas, who is serving his sentence in the maximum-security prison La Roca in Guayaquil, has been convicted in two emblematic corruption cases: Odebrecht and Bribes 2012-2016. The sentences have resulted in a combined prison term of eight years, in addition to facing a preventive detention order related to the Manabí Reconstruction case, which is still under investigation. In a statement issued on August 5, the Mexican government indicated that the purpose of the passage was to facilitate Glas's transfer to a third country, a request that has been dismissed by Ecuador. The Noboa administration has expressed that accepting this request would contradict existing laws and international treaties, emphasizing that the former vice president does not meet the necessary criteria to be considered a political refugee. The official statement also mentions concerns about Glas's health, suggesting that humanitarian measures should be taken regarding his situation. However, the Ecuadorian response has been firm: Glas's situation is a judicial matter and not a humanitarian one. This has led to the interpretation that even if the passage had been granted, the judiciary would not be obliged to release him, due to the principle of separation of powers that governs the country. Analysts from various fields have agreed that the asylum request and the subsequent passage request present legal complications. Criminal lawyer Julio César Cueva argues that the decision on the passage is purely political, but Glas's imprisonment is the result of a firm judicial determination. Therefore, this situation reflects the complexity of the Ecuadorian judicial system and its independence. For his part, Michel Leví, a professor at the Andean University Simón Bolívar, has pointed out that although Mexico granted asylum to Glas, he is incarcerated and not at the Mexican Embassy as would be expected in asylum situations. This fact has generated controversy over the legitimacy of the asylum itself, given that the former vice president is not free and faces serious accusations. The controversy is further complicated by the fact that Ecuador has taken this matter to the International Court of Justice, arguing that asylum cannot be requested by individuals charged with common crimes. This point is crucial, as it sets a precedent in the country's asylum policy and its stance against crime and corruption. Former Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos Estarellas has also expressed his opinion on the situation, labeling the request for the passage as “totally out of place.” For him, Ecuador's refusal to recognize the asylum granted to Glas is based on the premise that he is not a political persecuted individual, which has led to the interpretation that Mexico's request could have more political than humanitarian intentions. As can be seen, Jorge Glas's situation is not only a case of criminal justice but also intertwines with issues of international politics and diplomatic relations. The decision of the Ecuadorian government could have repercussions beyond its borders, affecting relations with Mexico and the way cases of officials accused of corruption are handled in the future. The situation continues to generate widespread debate in Ecuadorian society, where public opinion is divided between the defense of justice and respect for human rights.