Key facts
- Japan summoned Russia's ambassador to protest the arrest of journalist Yuki Imai.
- Imai is accused by Russia's FSB of conducting espionage activities and gathering defense information.
- The journalist was arrested on Sakhalin Island and placed in pre-trial detention.
- Japan has requested prompt information and fair, impartial treatment for Imai.
- The charges against Imai carry a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Japan summoned Russia's ambassador on Wednesday to protest the arrest of Japanese journalist Yuki Imai on suspicion of espionage. The Russian FSB security service announced the arrest of a Japanese national on Sakhalin Island, near disputed territories, accusing the individual of working for Japanese intelligence to collect information about Russia's defenses.
Kimitake Nakamura, an official from Japan's European Affairs Bureau, lodged a strong protest with Russian Ambassador Nikolay Nozdrev, stating that Tokyo had not received an explanation for the detention. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov commented that the security service was doing its job and that spies are caught.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated that Japan had been unable to contact Imai and was unaware of the arrest until Moscow's official announcement. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Japanese diplomats in Russia have requested prompt information and humanitarian consideration. The Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper acknowledged awareness of the announcement but was still confirming details, prioritizing the journalist's safety.
The FSB has opened a criminal case against Imai, who has been placed in pre-trial detention until December 12, according to Russian news agencies. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described the incident as regrettable and not isolated, suggesting attempts by Tokyo to gather information undermining Russian security. The charges carry a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. A video published by the FSB showed masked officers storming a hotel room and apprehending a man.