Ecuador initiated proceedings against Mexico before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Monday for allegedly violating international law by giving political asylum to former vice president Jorge Glas.

Glas had already been convicted of corruption and bribery for involvement in the Odebrecht case and was being investigated for corruption concerning the use of funds for those affected during the earthquake in Manabi when Mexico granted him political asylum earlier this month. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa then gave orders to the national police to enter the Mexican Embassy in Ecuador and arrest Glas.

This action sparked disagreement as countries like Mexico and the US condemned Ecuador for breaching international obligations, such as the inviolability of embassies under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR). Mexico has already started a case against Ecuador before the ICJ, although Ecuador’s lawsuit could influence these proceedings.

As confirmed by the Chancellery of Ecuador, the state initiated proceedings on grounds of violation of Article 41 of the VCDR and Article 3 of the 1954 Convention on Diplomatic Asylum, among others. Ecuador argues the Embassy of Mexico interfered with the internal affairs of the receiving state. Moreover, Mexico was accused of violating the Organization of American States Convention stipulating that asylum shall not be granted to people who are convicted or being processed at the time of the request.

Noboa has previously stated that Ecuador will not permit any act that interferes with the rule of law and state sovereignty.