TODAY: Russia attempts to sway Strasbourg’s decision on Magnitsky law; Western politicians call for justice for Khodorkovsky; new opposition party founded. Two killed in weekend’s race riots; nationalism problematic issue for authorities; domestic violence rife.  Wikileaks distorted by Russian press?  Armed forces to receive funding boost.  Moscow theater brings heritage to new Mayor’s attention; Voina’s struggles.

The Telegraph reports that Russia has sent a committee to the European Parliament in an attempt to thwart ‘Magnitsky’s Law’, legislation which would prevent around 60 individuals suspected of involvement in the lawyer’s untimely death, from traveling to member states.  A day before the verdict of his second trial is announced, a number of Western political heavyweights have sent an open letter to the Financial Times urging that the persecution of Mikhail Khodorkovsky be stopped.  ‘As strong supporters of the drive to modernise Russia we cannot stand idly by when rule of law and human values are being so openly abused and compromised’.  Read the entire text, signed by ex-French and British Foreign Ministers amongst others, here.  Khodorkovsky, meanwhile, has been awarded the Rainer Hildebrandt International Human Rights Award.  Russia’s opposition coalition has formed a new political party, the Party of Popular Freedom, which it hopes will be able to stand in the 2011 parliamentary elections.  The Moscow Times reports on how United Russia plans to woo opposition members.