Prime Minister Takaichi: ``There is no evidence of espionage'' Russian journalist detained, urges demands for liberal democratic liberation

Regarding the issue of the Russian authorities' detention of a Hokkaido Shimbun reporter on suspicion of espionage, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on the 15th refuted Russia's claim that the reporter had been cooperating with the Japanese government in espionage, saying, ``There is no such fact.'' He answered questions from reporters at the Prime Minister's official residence.

Prime Minister Takaichi denies spying in Russia

The prime minister explained, ``Domestic laws are different.We still don't know the details of the charges and what you're talking about.We will firmly convey Japan's position.'' ``The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working hard to request visits, including visits.Right now, I want to focus on protecting Japanese nationals,'' he said.

At a press conference on the 15th, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara revealed that he had not been able to contact reporters, saying, ``First of all, we will do our best to arrange a consular meeting as soon as possible and confirm his health status.''

On the 15th, the Liberal Democratic Party held a joint meeting of its Foreign Affairs Committee and other committees at party headquarters to hear the details from the government. Members of Congress who attended the meeting repeatedly said, ``He should directly convey his rebuttal to the spying charge,'' and ``He should demand his early release.''