Japan slams lack of consular access to journalist held in Russia

· Politics · Japan · Russia

Japan said it was 'extremely regrettable' that its diplomats had been unable to visit a Japanese journalist detained in Russia, despite a bilateral protocol that guarantees the right to consular access. Russia arrested the journalist from the Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper on suspicion of espionage. Tokyo's protest adds to friction between the two countries, which have no formal peace treaty ending World War II and remain at odds over disputed islands.

Why it matters：The detention highlights the fragility of Japan-Russia ties and the risks facing journalists in wartime Russia.

Key points

  • The journalist works for the Hokkaido Shimbun
  • Russia cited suspected espionage
  • Tokyo says consular access was denied

Sources (original reporting)

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