Information provided: MIC (Japan Media, Culture and Information Labor Conference)
https://c.org/5smrHHBspD
Purpose of the Petition
On October 13, a male reporter (correspondent) from Hokkaido Shimbun's Russia-Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk branch was detained by the Federal Security Service (FSB) of the Russian Federation on suspicion of espionage. It is reported that the reporter was transferred to Moscow and the court approved two months of detention. We strongly hope that the reporter's health and safety are ensured and that they are released as soon as possible.
The petition is being collected by a group of volunteers called "Committee for the Release of Hokkaido Shimbun Reporter Detained in Russia," which hopes for the immediate release of the male reporter from Hokkaido Shimbun detained in Russia. Although it was launched mainly by former Hokkaido Shimbun reporters, we are recruiting participation, cooperation, and support from others.
Our purpose is to wish for the reporter's safe return home, continue to convey this issue, and ensure that public interest does not wane.
The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia claims that the reporter was gathering information on the instructions of Japan's intelligence agency to threaten Russia's security. In response, the editor-in-chief of Hokkaido Shimbun has argued that "we do not conduct reporting or gather information based on government instructions" as an independent media organization. We are also convinced of this.
Political tensions continue between Japan and Russia. However, at times like these, it is important to foster mutual understanding between both countries and the people living there. This is where the role of media organizations and journalists comes into play.
Under any circumstances, freedom of the press must be respected to the fullest extent. The reporter was conducting reporting after obtaining a Russian government journalist visa. Unjust detention is an act that tramples on freedom of the press. The FSB must immediately release the reporter from detention.
We also call on the Japanese government to make every effort to secure the early release of the reporter. We hope that humanitarian considerations will be given top priority and negotiations with the Russian government will proceed so that the detention does not become prolonged.
Let us raise our voices together, wishing for the release of the reporter.
This petition requests the following from the Russian government:
1. Immediate release of the Hokkaido Shimbun reporter
2. Ensuring health and safety until release and humane treatment
3. Consular access by the Japanese government, guaranteeing contact with lawyers and family
4. Respect for freedom of the press and legitimate reporting activities
We also request the following from the Japanese government:
1. Maximum diplomatic efforts toward the immediate release of the Hokkaido Shimbun reporter
2. Continued engagement and negotiations with the Russian government
3. Confirmation of the reporter's health and safety through consular access
4. Sufficient information provision and support to the reporter's family
Petition start date: November 1, 2026 (Promotion support is not requested from the committee, but it seems to be used when displaying at the top of the petition site. You can sign without giving your name.)
We demand the immediate release of the Hokkaido Shimbun reporter detained in Russia.
A petition calls for the immediate release of a Hokkaido Shimbun reporter detained in Russia on suspicion of espionage on October 13. It urges Russia to ensure his health, safety and rights, and Japan to make every diplomatic effort to secure his release.
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