Russia detains Japanese journalist on suspicion of spying

Russia said on Tuesday it had detained a Japanese journalist on suspicion of espionage and accused Tokyo of using media correspondents to gather intelligence, marking a new low in bilateral relations that have deteriorated sharply in recent months.

Russia’s foreign ministry identified the journalist as Yuki Imai and the FSB security agency said he worked for the Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper, which is a regional newspaper for Japan’s northern island.

He was detained in the far eastern Sakhalin region the day before he planned to leave the country, the FSB said without specifying the date. It accused him of collecting and storing information on Russia’s defense capabilities for intelligence purposes that it said could be used against Russian security.

The Hokkaido Shimbun did not confirm the journalist’s identity, saying only that it was still confirming details and that the reporter’s safety was its top priority.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said on Wednesday that Tokyo had asked Russian authorities for information and called for fair treatment and humanitarian consideration for the national.

Kihara stopped short of condemning Moscow, saying only that Tokyo would take appropriate action.

In a Russian state TV video report, three masked men in black uniforms handcuffed…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business