Colombia Protests Ecuador Deporting 800 Prisoners Without Agreement

Colombia has formally protested Ecuador's unilateral decision to deport over 800 Colombian inmates without prior bilateral coordination, describing the move as a violation of international law and an "unfriendly gesture." Ecuador stated that the deportations followed legal procedures and human rights standards, asserting that it notified Colombia on July 8 about individual deportation proceedings. The deportations began recently, with prisoners crossing the Rumichaca International Bridge into Colombia, where authorities were unprepared due to lack of prior official notice. Colombian officials emphasize the absence of a joint protocol to ensure a safe, orderly, and respectful transfer, while Ecuador denies claims of mass deportations, emphasizing judicial rulings for each case. The deportations stem from Ecuador's efforts to ease prison overcrowding, a plan opposed by Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who advocates for a cooperative approach to protect detainees' rights. The situation has heightened diplomatic tensions, with Colombia evaluating further measures in response to Ecuador's actions.