Yuki Imai, a reporter for the Hokkaido Shimbun, was detained in Sakhalin on October 14, 2026, by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) on suspicion of “espionage.” The video of the detention released by the Russian authorities shows the reporter being forced to lie face down on the floor while someone pins him down.

However, this is exceedingly unnatural and we cannot help but suspect that it is a staged “performance” for the camera. It closely resembles the methods used in the past when a Japanese diplomat was unjustly detained in Vladivostok and humiliating footage was released, suggesting malicious propaganda by the authorities.

Furthermore, the fact that he was transferred to the Lefortovo detention center in Moscow immediately after his detention in Sakhalin suggests that this is not merely a local security issue, but a political “warning” directed at Japan.

Currently, domestic media and related institutions in Japan are taking a cautious stance. “Silence” in the face of an unjust situation will only send a false message to the Russian side that “Japan will not raise its voice,” further emboldening them. I fear that “silent observation” without asserting ourselves will be viewed as “weak-kneed” by the Russian side, potentially leading to further victimization of Japanese citizens in the future.

As one of the researchers who has engaged with Russia, I cannot overlook this outrage that fundamentally threatens the freedom of research activities and the press. Moreover, I have had long-standing relationships with many Hokkaido Shimbun reporters, and the allegation that reporter Yuki Imai is a “spy for the Japanese authorities” can only be described as absurd.

I strongly protest Russia’s detention of the reporter Yuki Imai, and demand that the Russian authorities take immediate steps to release him

October 15, 2026

Akihiro Iwashita

This appeal represents the personal views of Akihiro Iwashita, the organizer of this project, and does not represent the official stance of his affiliated university, the Slavic-Eurasian Research Center, or this project.