It is reported that 15 of the 50 legislators are in Colombia and have said they will ask for political asylum in that country. (Correa had already warned that if any of the dismissed lawmakers tried to enterbyforce, "it will be necessary to send them to prison").
But, in reality, bailiffs are not empowered to enter premises byforce and artful defendants are able to dodge their attentions without much difficulty.
To enter into force, the text must be formally approved by the European Parliament and by the Council, which is due to take its decision after the parliamentary vote.
Roman Martov, a spokesman for the Russian air force's eastern district, was quoted by Russian media as saying the planes did not enter Japanese airspace.