Sergei Sokolov, editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta, is detained in Russia
Russian authorities arrested Japanese journalist Yuki Imai in Sakhalin Oblast, accusing him of espionage related to Russia's defense and activities on the Kuril Islands. The FSB claims he gathered information on mobilized volunteers from Kuril Island inhabitants involved in the Ukraine war. Imai is a correspondent for the Hokkaido Shimbun and was transferred to Moscow after detention.
- Russian authorities arrested Japanese journalist Yuki Imai in Sakhalin Oblast, accusing him of espionage related to Russia's defense capabilities and activities on the Kuril Islands.
- Imai is accused of gathering information on Russia's defense capabilities and on residents of the Kuril Islands participating in the war against Ukraine.
- Sergueï Sokolov, editor of Novaja gazeta, was arrested in 2024 after a home search in Moscow and charged with discrediting armed forces.
- Novaja Gazeta is labeled a foreign agent by Russian authorities.
- The newspaper has been repeatedly targeted by Russian authorities for its human rights reporting.
- Tokyo urged Moscow to treat the detained journalist fairly.
- The Soviet Union conquered the Kuril Islands at the end of World War II.
- Russia and Japan have no formal peace treaty ending WWII and dispute over the Kuril Islands.
- Roldugin was accused of illegally using personal data.
- The editorial staff of Novaya Gazeta reported losing contact with Sokolov around noon.
- Imai is a correspondent for the Hokkaido Shimbun.
- Reportéři bez hranic said reportedly, 50 journalists are currently imprisoned in Russia.
- The FSB claims Imai collected data on mobilized volunteers from Kuril Island inhabitants involved in the Ukraine war.
- The Japanese foreign ministry requested fair treatment for the detained journalist.
- Russia claims the Kuril Islands are under its administration.
- Maria Zacharova said Tokyo's attempt to use correspondents for intelligence is regrettable.
- The charges against Imai carry a maximum sentence of 20 years.
- Russia has imposed censorship levels similar to the Soviet era since launching military operations in Ukraine.
- Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, was sentenced to 16 years for espionage.
- The editorial offices of Novaya Gazeta were searched in April, and one journalist was detained.
- The FSB detained Imai in the Sakhalin region and transferred him to Moscow.
- Russia has banned independent media outlets.
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