Japan denies spying in Russia, says it can’t contact detained journalist
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Japanese authorities do not engage in espionage in Russia, responding to the detention of Hokkaido Shimbun correspondent Yuki Imai in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi declared that Japan does not engage in espionage in Russia, following the detention of journalist Yuki Imai in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Takaichi emphasized the importance of protecting Japanese citizens as the top priority. She also noted that Japan is still determining the exact charges against Imai, as they differ from country to country.
Meanwhile, the Japanese government has been in contact with Imai to arrange a meeting, according to Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara. The Federal Security Service (FSB) in Russia accused Imai of gathering data on the mobilization or volunteer enlistment of Kuril Islands residents in the conflict in Ukraine. Imai's detention came after he published reports on State Duma elections, a monument unveiling in Khabarovsk, and ties between Russia and North Korea.
His recent travels included visits to Vladivostok, Nakhodka, and a children's arts center in the Russian Far East.
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