FSB blindfold, interrogates Japanese diplomat in Vladivostok

[NewYorkExpress]

https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/27/world/russia-japan-diplomat-espionage-accusation-detention-intl-hnk/index.html

Japan is demanding a formal apology from Russia after Federal Security Service (FSB) agents allegedly blindfolded and interrogated a Japanese diplomat, before giving him 48 hours to leave the country.

Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said Vladivostok-based Japanese consul Motoki Tatsunori was detained and questioned by Russian agents on Monday for alleged espionage.

“The consular officer was taken away in a state of immobility, blindfolded from start to finish, with his hands and head held down, and subjected to intimidating interrogation,” Hayashi said during a press conference Tuesday.

Tatsunori was detained and declared “persona non grata” by Russia’s Foreign Ministry, according to Russian news agencies.

Hayashi condemned Tatsunori’s detention in the far eastern Russian city, saying it was “extremely regrettable and unacceptable” and there was “absolutely no evidence of illegal activities as claimed by the Russian side.”

Vice Foreign Minister Takeo Mori summoned Russian Ambassador Mikhail Galuzin and lodged a formal protest, demanding an official apology, Hayashi said.

The Japanese government would also be taking “appropriate measures,” he added.

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

Relations between Japan and Russia have continued to detoriate.

[CumbrianLefty]

Relations between Russia and just about everywhere are deteriorating tbf.

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

Relations between Russia and just about everywhere are deteriorating tbf.

Russia-Japan is one where we see particular deterioriation. Japan effectively labeling Russia as an occupier of rightful Japanese territory, Russia mulling efforts to end long-standing sharing of resources in and around Sakhalin (樺太, Karafuto), Japan being among the most pro-Ukrainian nations in the planet, Russian companies banning Japanese users from some Russian-owned MMORGs, Japan joining in the sanctions regime against Moscow with considerably more enthusiasm than in 2014...
To think less than five years ago Putin and Abe had a decent working relationship and there was some hope the "Northern Territories" issue could be solved. A lot has changed.