Russia says Japanese journalists are involved in espionage activities. Hokkaido News Agency denies: independent media are not subject to government instructions

A reporter from the Hokkaido News Agency was arrested by Russia, and Japan demanded his early release. The picture shows Chief Cabinet Secretary Nori Kihara. (Reuters file photo)

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) announced that it had arrested a male reporter from the Hokkaido News Agency in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk on suspicion of espionage, and claimed that the reporter was collecting intelligence on the instructions of the Japanese intelligence agency. The Hokkaido News Agency strictly denied this in the Korean Journal on the 16th, emphasizing that "it will never conduct interviews or collect intelligence based on government instructions."

Hokkaido Shimbun published an article signed by editor Hayashi Yamamoto in the morning issue on the 16th, "The Significance of Russian Reporters' Reports," explaining that although the relationship between the Japanese and Russian governments has deteriorated after Russia invaded Ukraine, it is for this reason that the media that has long paid attention to Russia need to continue to convey the current situation and changes in the Far East, so they decided to maintain their base.

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In response to the Russian accusation, the newspaper emphasized that the Hokkaido News is a reporting organization independent of the government. The reporter conducted legal reporting activities after obtaining a Russian journalist visa. The freedom of reporting and reporting activities should be respected. It also stated that it is quickly confirming facts and collecting intelligence through diplomatic channels, and will make every effort to strive for the reporter's early release.

In this regard, Shiro Nakamura, president of the Japan Press Association, said at a press conference held in Matsue City on the 16th that the freedom of interview and reporting should be protected and should never be hindered. Although the details are still unknown, he expressed strong concern and indignation over the arrest of this reporter and asked the Russian authorities to ensure the safety and health of the detained journalists and to release them as soon as possible. The Press Association will work closely with the Hokkaido News Agency to provide support.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said at the press conference after the cabinet meeting that after the incident, he had requested Russia to provide information quickly through the local embassy and consulate general, and requested humanitarian considerations and fair and equitable treatment. Russia had issued a consular notification of the arrest on the 15th local time. Kihara pointed out that he is still unable to contact the reporter personally and will make every effort to achieve a consular meeting as soon as possible to confirm his health condition and factual knowledge, and continue to vigorously negotiate with the Russian side to ensure the protection of Japanese nationals.

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