Catherine Ashton, the EU’s most senior diplomat, should intervene in support of demonstrators arrested for showing solidarity with Mikhail Khodorkovsky, according to Marek Migalski MEP, who has tabled a parliamentary question on the detentions that occurred in Moscow on Khodorkovsky’s 50th birthday (26 June).

In his written question, Dr Migalski has also asked Lady Ashton to take action to ensure the fundamental right to freedom of assembly is upheld and protected in Russia.

The question, which notes Khodorkovsky’s status as a political prisoner, follows a heavy-handed police response to a peaceful gathering of protesters in the Russian capital to celebrate Khodorkovsky’s landmark birthday.

Several dozen individuals were arrested and detained following the protest, which was one of many initiatives worldwide to celebrate Khodorkovsky’s half-century, including video messages by leading public figures – one of which was made by Dr Migalski himself.