Lawyer for ex-Ecuador VP demands access to him in prison

A lawyer representing former Vice President Jorge Glas of Ecuador has called for access to his client, as his legal team has been unable to contact him since his recent arrest. Glas, who has been convicted of corruption twice before and is now facing new charges, was detained after a police raid on Mexico’s Quito embassy, where he had taken refuge since December.

The raid on the embassy has strained relations between Ecuador and Mexico, with Mexico suspending diplomatic ties in response. Ecuador has defended its actions, citing concerns that Mexico could not grant Glas asylum due to the pending charges and alleging knowledge of an escape plan.

In a letter addressed to the authorities at the La Roca prison in Guayaquil, Glas’ lawyer Sonia Vera expressed concern over the lack of communication with her client for over 48 hours, calling it a violation of his fundamental rights. She requested unrestricted in-person access for Glas and his legal team.

Vera also raised concerns about Glas’ safety, alleging that he was physically assaulted during the embassy raid. The SNAI prisons agency declined to comment on the letter, citing safety concerns.

Glas, a leftist politician who served as vice president from 2013 to 2017, has been convicted of corruption related to Odebrecht bribes and misuse of campaign funds. He has previously claimed the charges are politically motivated.

Now facing charges of misusing funds earmarked for earthquake reconstruction, Glas’s legal troubles continue to mount. President Daniel Noboa, while not directly addressing the Mexico dispute, emphasized the government’s commitment to holding criminals accountable.

Prison violence is a prevalent issue in Ecuador, with numerous inmate deaths reported in recent years. Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena indicated that Mexico seeks to de-escalate tensions with Ecuador and will not expel the Ecuadorian diplomatic mission despite the strained relations.

Barcena emphasized a desire for peaceful resolution, contrasting with previous diplomatic confrontations. With tensions high and glass’s legal battles ongoing, the situation remains fluid.

Overall, the situation involving Jorge Glas highlights the complexities of political corruption and legal challenges in Ecuador. As the legal battle continues, the focus remains on ensuring transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.

Ultimately, the outcome of Glas’s case will have implications not only for the individual but also for Ecuador’s political landscape and relations with other countries in the region.