Japanese Reporter Held in Russia for a Month With No Prospect of Release

Nov 13, 2026 | News On Japan

MOSCOW - The Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper identified its correspondent detained in Russia on espionage allegations as Yuki Imai on November 12, one month after his arrest by Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), with no indication of when he might be released.

Imai, a male journalist stationed in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk on Russia's Sakhalin Island, was detained by the FSB on October 13 on suspicion of espionage.

The Hokkaido Shimbun announced his identity for the first time on November 12, explaining that Imai had obtained a valid Russian journalist visa and was engaged in routine reporting activities at the time of his detention.

The newspaper said it had decided to identify Imai publicly because a month had passed since his detention without any clear prospect of his release, making it necessary to appeal more directly to the public for support.

The company emphasized that Imai had been carrying out legitimate journalistic duties in Russia and that his continued detention raised concerns about his safety and rights.

The Hokkaido Shimbun said it would continue working closely with relevant authorities and organizations to ensure Imai's safety and protect his rights while making every possible effort to secure his release and return to Japan as soon as possible.

Source: FNN

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