Togolese authorities on Friday summoned the European Union ambassador, Gwilym Ceri Jones, after the European Parliament passed a resolution calling for the release of Abdoul Aziz Goma, an Irish-Togolese detainee.

Goma has been in pre-trial detention for more than six years after taking part in a banned 2018 opposition protest demanding presidential term limits. Reports suggest his health is deteriorating and that he has suffered serious torture while in custody.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the summons was to clarify the EU’s position and to stress that Togolese justice operates independently.

The EU has expressed concern over Goma’s prolonged detention and urged his release on humanitarian grounds.