Japan slams lack of access to journalist detained in Russia
Tokyo said it was "extremely regrettable" that its diplomats had been unable to visit the Japanese journalist detained in Russia, despite a bilateral protocol that guarantees the right to consular access.
Tokyo expressed deep regret over its diplomats' inability to visit a Japanese journalist detained in Russia, despite a bilateral protocol that grants consular access. The journalist, from Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper, was arrested by Russian authorities on the Far East island of Sakhalin a week ago, suspected of espionage. Russian media claimed he would remain in custody until December 12.
Japan has denied the spying allegation and demanded the release of the individual. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara emphasized that the protocol, signed between Japan and the Soviet Union and still valid with Russia, should allow for consular access within four days of arrest. Kihara stated that it is extremely regrettable that the consular visit was not granted within the stipulated timeframe.
Japan remains committed to urging the Russian side to arrange a consular visit as soon as possible, while also demanding the journalist's release, humanitarian considerations, and fair treatment.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
