World · 19 d ago
Russia detains a Japanese journalist on spying allegations
Dec
12
Saturday
End of court-ordered detention, Moscow
Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Oct 13 it had detained Imai Yuki, a correspondent for a Japanese newspaper, in the Sakhalin region. He was taken to Moscow, where a court ordered him held until Dec 12.
What we know
- Detained in Sakhalin, held in Moscow
- Accredited by Russia's Foreign Ministry
Not yet
- Evidence behind the spying claim
- When Japan can contact him
The FSB alleges he gathered information on Russia's defence capabilities for Japanese intelligence. The allegations have not been independently substantiated, and he held press accreditation from Russia's Foreign Ministry.
Japan's Foreign Ministry summoned Russian Ambassador Nikolay Nozdrev in protest. Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu asked for fair and impartial treatment, and Japanese officials have not yet been able to reach the journalist.
Maximum prison term for espionage in Russia
20 years
Espionage convictions in Russia can carry prison terms of up to 20 years. Japan and Russia are already divided by sanctions over Ukraine and four islands Japan claims as its Northern Territories.
