Noboa administration says it stands firm against corruption and impunity.

Ecuador has categorically rejected a Venezuelan request to grant safe passage for former Vice President Jorge Glas, signaling President Daniel Noboa’s steadfast commitment to justice and accountability. Glas, currently imprisoned for corruption, has become a focal point in an international tug-of-war, but Ecuador has refused to compromise its principles.

Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld revealed details of the request during a radio interview on December 18th. Speaking on the program Democracia, she confirmed that Venezuela’s overture was mediated through the foreign ministries of Colombia and Brazil. The proposal, part of a broader diplomatic negotiation, sought to exchange detainees and political refugees across several countries, with Glas included in the mix.

“We are not allies of Nicolás Maduro. Here, we reject impunity and corruption,” Sommerfeld stated, underscoring Ecuador’s firm position against the Venezuelan regime’s attempts to secure Glas’s release.

A Complex Diplomatic Bargain

The proposal from Nicolás Maduro’s government was part of an intricate cross-border negotiation involving political prisoners and asylum-seekers. Sommerfeld explained that the Venezuelan regime had initiated talks to secure the release of individuals detained in countries like Argentina. The plan included exchanging safe-conduct passes and asylum agreements to resolve ongoing diplomatic standoffs.

One of the key elements of this negotiation involved six anti-Chávez activists who had taken refuge in the Argentine Embassy in Caracas. Venezuela offered to release these individuals, guarded under Brazilian protection, in exchange for the release of a detainee aligned with Maduro’s regime who was held in Argentina.

As part of this multi-pronged effort, Venezuela also floated the idea of securing safe passage for Jorge Glas, a former ally of ex-President Rafael Correa. Ecuador, however, swiftly rejected the proposal. “Here, there is no tolerance for corruption,” Sommerfeld reiterated, making it clear that Ecuador would not entertain such requests. Argentina also refused to cooperate, effectively halting Maduro’s broader scheme.

Glas’s Tumultuous Journey

Jorge Glas, who served as Ecuador’s vice president under Rafael Correa from 2007 to 2017, has become a symbol of political corruption in the country. Convicted on multiple charges, including embezzlement and bribery, he was sentenced to prison but briefly escaped detention by seeking asylum at the Mexican Embassy in Quito.

The dramatic events leading to his capture unfolded in April when Glas was apprehended during an assault on the embassy. This high-stakes diplomatic clash further strained relations between Ecuador and Mexico. Following his arrest, Glas was transferred to the maximum-security La Roca prison, where he remains incarcerated.

Despite his controversial past and political ties, Glas’s case has become a lightning rod for debates about justice, impunity, and political accountability in Ecuador.

Noboa’s Uncompromising Stance

President Daniel Noboa has left no room for ambiguity regarding his administration’s position on the matter. Following Sommerfeld’s interview, the Ecuadorian government released a statement rejecting Venezuela’s request. “This type of ‘negotiation’ has no place in this government,” the statement read, reiterating Ecuador’s refusal to facilitate impunity.

On his social media account, Noboa addressed the situation directly. “Calm down, Ecuadorians, there will be no magic or escapism here,” he assured citizens. He criticized previous administrations for allowing high-profile political figures to evade justice, adding, “This government does not negotiate impunity nor will it let one of the biggest culprits of what Ecuador is experiencing escape.”

Ecuador’s Broader Message

The Noboa administration’s decision to deny Venezuela’s request reflects a broader commitment to maintaining the integrity of Ecuador’s justice system and distancing itself from controversial international regimes. By rejecting Maduro’s overture, Ecuador has signaled that it will not allow foreign pressures to undermine its rule of law.

Through its actions, Ecuador is sending a clear message: justice and accountability are non-negotiable. The rejection of Venezuela’s safe-conduct request is not just about Glas but a broader affirmation of the country’s commitment to combating corruption and safeguarding its democratic principles.