Tokyo rebukes Russia over arrest of Japanese journalist accused of spying
Russia's FSB says it arrested Hokkaido Shimbun journalist Imai Yuki on Sakhalin for spying, and Tokyo has objected, according to Deutsche Welle.
Japan has rebuked Russia over the arrest of a Japanese journalist accused of spying, Deutsche Welle reports. The arrest is the latest diplomatic spat between the two countries.
Russia's FSB security agency says it arrested the man on Sakhalin Island in the far east. Al Jazeera reports he was then moved to Moscow. Moscow announced the arrest on Tuesday, according to The Guardian.
Al Jazeera names him as Imai Yuki. BBC News says he works for the Hokkaido Shimbun. The FSB alleges he collected information on Russia's defence capabilities. The BBC reports the allegation is that he did so for Tokyo. Al Jazeera says he is suspected of spying for Japanese intelligence.
The Guardian notes that Russia regards Japan as an "unfriendly" country because Japan joined Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine. It says Russia has arrested several citizens of such countries in recent years, accusing them of working for Western intelligence. Deutsche Welle says rivalry over disputed islands in Russia's Far East has recently added to tension.
Reported by
- Al JazeeraRussia arrests Japanese reporter for alleged espionageTue, Oct 13, 2:49 PM EDT
- The GuardianRussia detains Japanese journalist, accusing him of alleged spyingTue, Oct 13, 9:05 PM EDT
- BBC NewsRussia arrests Japanese journalist on alleged espionageWed, Oct 14, 12:10 AM EDT
- Al JazeeraRussia’s arrest of Japanese journalist: Why are tensions rising?Wed, Oct 14, 6:46 AM EDT
- Al JazeeraRussia arrests Japanese journalist on suspicion of ‘espionage’Wed, Oct 14, 9:22 AM EDT
- Deutsche WelleJapanese journalist arrest in Russia's Far East draws rebuke from Tokyo in latest diplomatic spat with MoscowWed, Oct 14, 1:28 PM EDT
This story was written by AI using only the reports listed above, and published without a person reviewing it first. It is rewritten as new reports arrive. Read the original reporting for full detail. Spot an error? Tell us.
Earlier versions (1)
- Tue, Oct 13, 9:25 PM EDT, 2 outlets: Russia arrests Japanese journalist on Sakhalin, accuses him of espionage