TOKYO: Japan has dispatched a senior diplomat to Moscow to seek the immediate release of a Japanese journalist detained in Russia on suspicion of espionage, as tensions between the two countries continue to deepen.
According to The Moscow Times, Japanese diplomat Kimitake Nakamura met Russian Foreign Ministry official Lyudmila Vorobyova on Tuesday to discuss the detention and broader bilateral relations.
The detained journalist, identified as Yuki Imai of the Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper, was arrested on Russia’s Far Eastern island of Sakhalin. Russian authorities accused him of conducting espionage activities on Russian territory.
Japan has rejected the allegations and called for Imai’s immediate release. Tokyo also demanded prompt consular access to ensure the journalist’s welfare and provide appropriate assistance.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara confirmed that Japan had formally raised the matter during the diplomatic meeting. He said the government wanted Russian authorities to grant consular access as soon as possible.
Earlier, Japan summoned Russian Ambassador Nikolay Nozdrev to lodge a formal protest over the arrest. The Japanese Foreign Ministry also urged Moscow to ensure fair and impartial treatment for the detained journalist.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has denied that her country conducts espionage activities in Russia. Meanwhile, the Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper has emphasized its independence from the Japanese government.
The incident has further strained relations between Tokyo and Moscow, which have long been affected by a territorial dispute over the southern Kuril Islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories.
Relations have deteriorated further following Japan’s sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
Despite the tensions, Japanese officials stressed the importance of continued diplomatic engagement to resolve outstanding issues and secure the journalist’s release.
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