Japan asks Russia for info, fair process over journalist detention: source

Japan has reached out to Russia for information and assurances of fair treatment in the detention of a Japanese journalist on Sakhalin, according to Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. The request stems from concerns about the journalist's well-being and the fairness of his handling, as the incident has exacerbated the already tense relationship between the two nations, strained by territorial disputes and sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Motegi emphasized that Japan would take further steps to protect its nationals, including seeking more details from Russia about the journalist's situation and health. The Russian security agency confirmed the detention of a male journalist from the Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper, a publication known for its extensive coverage of issues surrounding disputed islands off Hokkaido.

The journalist, who was reportedly working for Japanese intelligence and gathering information on Russia's defense capabilities, was transferred to Moscow and is now facing a two-month detention order from a Moscow court. He has been charged with espionage, a crime punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison.