According to Yomiuri Shimbun, a Japanese official revealed that on October 16th, personnel from the Japanese Embassy in Russia went to Lefortovo Detention Center in eastern Moscow to attempt to arrange a consular visit for a Japanese male journalist who was detained on suspicion of spying. However, this attempt was unsuccessful.
Reports say that the journalist was detained in Sakhalin Oblast, the Far East region of Russia, on the 13th.
According to the bilateral consular treaties, Japan can arrange consular visits within 4 days after a citizen is detained. Today, May 16th, is the fourth day. Russia arranged a consular notification to Japan on May 15th, local time. Japan has requested to arrange a meeting on May 16th.
According to reports, the Japanese side expects that visitation will not be possible until after the 19th of next week at the earliest.
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that it will continue working with the Russian side to facilitate visa visits at the earliest possible time.
According to Kyodo News, the Letfov Detention Center is under the jurisdiction of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). It holds suspects suspected of serious crimes such as espionage and treason. During the Soviet era, this facility was operated by the KGB, the predecessor of the FSB.
Located in eastern Moscow, Lefortovo Detention Center Joint Society
According to International News Agency, the Russian Federal Security Service confirmed on October 13 that a Japanese journalist working for the Hokkaido Shimbun had been 'collecting information about Russia's defense capabilities.' The Russian side has arrested him on suspicion of espionage activities.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zakharova commented on the matter on that day: "It is regrettable that Japan attempts to use its journalists with foreign journalist status in Russia to gather information in order to undermine Russian security. This is not an isolated case."
Zaharova said, “Given the Japanese authorities’ ‘anti-Russian’ stance after Russia’s special military actions against Ukraine began, bilateral cooperation between Russia and Japan has deteriorated. Additionally, Tokyo is unwilling to listen to Moscow’s concerns about Japan’s ‘re-militarization’ path. This trend affects Russia’s legitimate interests in the security sector of the Far East. This matter will become another factor that exacerbates relations between Russia and Japan.”
