Jorge Glas faces a new judicial appeal as political tensions rise in Ecuador.

The situation of former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas continues to be a topic of intense debate and controversy in the country. Following Judge Patricio Vidal's refusal of his request for release from prison in July, Glas has seen his judicial future further complicated. Currently, his legal team has filed a new appeal with the Provincial Court of Justice of Guayas, which is responsible for deciding on August 20 regarding his request to be transferred to a hospital or, if not possible, to his mother's house. This appeal is part of a broader context of asylum requests and safe conduct passes. The Mexican government has requested a safe conduct pass for Glas from Ecuador in order to facilitate his exit from the country to a safe destination. However, the Ecuadorian government's response has been clear: granting diplomatic asylum to Glas is not considered lawful, which further complicates his chances of leaving the country. The background of Glas's situation is marked by the perception that he has been a victim of judicial persecution, a phenomenon commonly referred to as "lawfare." This idea has gained traction among his supporters, who view him as a symbol of injustice in the Ecuadorian judicial system. Glas had experienced a brief respite in November 2022 when he was granted pre-release after the unification of his sentences in the Odebrecht and Bribes cases. However, this measure was revoked, returning him to prison. Glas's most recent capture is related to accusations of embezzlement in the Manabí Reconstruction case, a scandal investigating the misappropriation of funds intended for the reconstruction of public works following the devastating earthquake of 2016. This new chapter in his judicial life has further fueled the narrative that Glas is a political target, and his legal team has argued that the evidence against him is insufficient. Since his detention, Glas has been at the center of a political storm in Ecuador. The Mexican embassy in Quito became his temporary refuge from December 2022 until April of this year, when he was captured by Ecuadorian authorities. This episode of his life has highlighted the tensions between diplomacy and justice in Ecuador, as well as the complexity of cases involving high-profile political figures. It is important to mention that Glas's situation not only affects his personal life but also has repercussions on the Ecuadorian political landscape. The polarization surrounding his figure is evident, and both his supporters and detractors have used his case to advance their respective agendas. This has generated a climate of uncertainty in the country, where perceptions of justice and politics intertwine in complicated ways. The court's decision on Glas's appeal on August 20 will be crucial. In this regard, many observers are watching closely to see how events unfold and what implications this will have for the former vice president's future. If he is granted release from prison, it could open the door to new political dynamics in Ecuador, while a denial could further solidify his image as a victim in the narrative of his supporters. The figure of Jorge Glas remains an example of the tensions that exist in the Ecuadorian judicial system. His case has highlighted the struggle between political and judicial power, and how these confrontations can affect individuals caught in the eye of the storm. As the date for the court's ruling approaches, the entire country will be attentive, not only to the judicial decisions but also to the broader implications these decisions may have for Ecuador.