Japanese journalist’s arrest in Russia deepens Moscow-Tokyo row
The Japanese government has strongly condemned Russia’s detention of a Japanese journalist accused of spying, demanding a detailed explanation for Moscow’s action. Thirty-four-year-old Yuki Imai, a correspondent for Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper based in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, has been remanded in custody until December 12, according to Kommersant newspaper. Japan’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian…
Russian authorities have detained a Japanese journalist, Yuki Imai, allegedly for spying, deepening tensions between Moscow and Tokyo. The 34-year-old correspondent for Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper was detained by the Federal Security Service (FSB) in Sakhalin Oblast, a Russian Pacific island, and is being held until December 12. Imai's lawyer, Tatsuaki Takeda, confirmed the arrest but did not comment further.
Japan's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the arrest, calling it a violation of the journalist's rights and demanding a detailed explanation from Moscow. The Russian Foreign Ministry responded, stating that Imai was arrested for "conducting intelligence activities in our territory" and charged under Article 227 (Espionage) of the Russian Criminal Code.
The Russian spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, criticized Japan's attempts to use its correspondents for information gathering aimed at undermining state security, citing instances of alleged espionage in the past.
The detainment of Imai comes just two weeks after Japan announced its 27th package of sanctions against Russia in response to the Ukrainian conflict, which Moscow views as hostile actions. Russia has vowed to retaliate against Tokyo's interests, further escalating the strained relationship between the two countries. The Japanese government has requested an opportunity to speak with Imai, while the Russian authorities have urged Tokyo to treat the detained national in a humane manner.
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