Japan's Hokkaido Shimbun urges release of detained correspondent Yuki Imai

The Russian security service FSB detained Japanese journalist Yuki Imai, accusing him of gathering intelligence for Japan and endangering Russian national security, and a court ordered a two-month pre-trial detention. The Hokkaido Shimbun, a regional Japanese daily with long-standing Russian bureaus, affirmed that Imai operated on one outlet journalist visa and that its coverage is not directed by any government. The paper criticized the widespread online posting of the arrest video without clear justification and emphasized the need to protect press freedom.

It announced that diplomatic efforts are underway to resolve the case and secure Imai's release. This incident follows previous arrests of foreign correspondents in Russia, highlighting growing pressure on Western media. The backdrop includes ongoing tensions over the Kuril Islands, which Russia claims and Japan disputes, especially after President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to the disputed territory.