Japan Responds to Russian Arrest of Japanese Journalist, Stating It Will Take Appropriate Action 'Considering National Interests'

▲ Iturup Island in the Kuril Islands, which is part of Russia's Sakhalin Oblast

Following the Russian Federal Security Service's arrest of a Japanese journalist in Sakhalin Oblast yesterday, the Japanese government has stated that it will "take appropriate action considering national interests."

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara made the remarks during a regular press conference this morning (October 14), saying, "We are aware of the Russian Federal Security Service's announcement that a Japanese national was detained in Sakhalin Oblast, Russia, on October 13 local time."

Kihara stated, "Through the Japanese Embassy in Russia and the Consulate-General of Japan, we have demanded that Russian authorities promptly provide information, while also requesting humanitarian consideration and fair and impartial treatment," adding, "We will continue to make every effort to protect Japanese nationals."

He continued, "It is also necessary to maintain appropriate bilateral relations," and added, "From this perspective, we will continue to respond in a timely manner, comprehensively considering what is necessary for Japan's national interests across its overall diplomacy."

Earlier, the Russian Federal Security Service announced that it had arrested and was investigating a reporter for the Hokkaido Shimbun, who was officially registered as a correspondent with the Russian Foreign Ministry and stationed in Sakhalin, on espionage charges.

(Photo: Yonhap News)

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