Prime Minister Takaichi: ``Japan will not spy in Russia'' Government unable to contact detained reporter

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on the 15th, regarding Russia's detention of a Japanese journalist on suspicion of espionage, ``There is no fact that the Japanese government is conducting espionage activities in Russia.'' He answered questions from reporters at the Prime Minister's official residence. ``Domestic laws are different as well. We don't yet know the details of the charges and what you are saying, but we will firmly convey Japan's position.''

Prime Minister Takaichi denies spying in Russia

Meanwhile, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara announced at a press conference on the same day that he had not been able to contact reporters. "We will do our best to arrange a consular meeting as soon as possible and confirm his health status," he said.

Russian authorities announced on the 13th that they had detained a Hokkaido Shimbun reporter on suspicion of espionage. According to government officials, there was no consular notification regarding the detention, and the Japanese government learned of the situation from the Russian announcement. The prime minister said, ``I want to focus on protecting Japanese nationals.''