Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk:Russia A Japanese journalist has been detained by Russian authorities on suspicion of engaging in espionage activities. The journalist, identified as Yuki Imai from the *Hokkaido Shimbun* newspaper, had been accredited by the Russian Foreign Ministry but is now accused of conducting espionage on Russian soil.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the arrest was announced by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), citing charges related to gathering information on Russian defense capabilities on Sakhalin Island. This action has been reported by state media outlets.

Maria Zakharova, the Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman, expressed regret over Tokyo’s alleged use of its correspondents in Russia to collect information that could undermine Russian security. She emphasized that this is not an isolated incident.

In response, Tokyo has requested that Moscow ensure fair and impartial treatment for the journalist. A Japanese Foreign Ministry official, speaking anonymously, highlighted that the Japanese Embassy in Moscow and the Consulate General in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk have urged Russian authorities to provide urgent information and consider humanitarian aspects in this case.

Reports from TASS and RIA Novosti indicate that the FSB has initiated a criminal investigation against the journalist, who is now in custody awaiting trial. Russia has previously detained several individuals from countries it considers “unfriendly,” accusing them of espionage for Western intelligence agencies.