(Adnkronos) – Tokyo’s Foreign Ministry has summoned Russian Ambassador Nikolay Nozdrev to protest the arrest of Japanese journalist Yuki Imai, from the Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper, accused of “carrying out espionage activities in Russian territory”. The man was arrested on Sakhalin Island and, according to the FSB, had worked for the Japanese secret services collecting information on Russian defenses. Japanese authorities have urged Moscow to ensure “fair and impartial treatment” of their compatriot and will demand his release.
“The Japanese embassy in Moscow and the consulate general in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk have submitted a request to the Russian authorities for the prompt provision of information, as well as for the consideration of humanitarian reasons and for fair and impartial treatment,” said Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.
The Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper stated in a press release that it was aware of the news provided by the Russian authorities, but was “still in the process of verifying the details.” “Ensuring the safety of the journalist is our highest priority and we are acting accordingly,” the note reads.
