Global Citizens Comment on the Detention of a Japanese Journalist in the Russian Federation

Global Citizens expresses serious concern over the detention of Yuki Imai, a journalist with the Japanese newspaper Hokkaido Shimbun.

In this regard, Global Citizens calls on the Russian authorities to provide Japan without delay with comprehensive information on the legal grounds for and circumstances of the detention; to ensure the journalist’s safety and humane treatment and provide him with the necessary medical care; and to ensure that he is not subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, or compelled to testify or make false confessions.

Global Citizens underscores the need to respect the law and uphold all applicable procedural safeguards, including the right to legal and consular assistance and to judicial review of the lawfulness of detention.

Global Citizens maintains that respect for Yuki Imai’s dignity, the protection of his rights, and his access to justice must be guaranteed regardless of the state of relations between Russia and Japan.

Global Citizens expresses its support for Yuki Imai’s family and loved ones in the present circumstances.

Note: This comment by the International Movement Global Citizens will be formally transmitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Embassy of Japan in the Russian Federation for their information. It will also be provided to the editorial office of the Japanese newspaper Hokkaido Shimbun.