TOKYO (AP) — Japan's Foreign Ministry announced on Friday that a second Japanese national has been detained in Iran, prompting the government to request the early release of both individuals. This confirmation of the second detainee follows the ministry's earlier acknowledgment of the first individual’s detention, although details regarding their identity have not been disclosed.
The ministry stated that the second detainee had been apprehended before the military strikes on Iran conducted by the United States and Israel on February 28. While officials did not elaborate on the timing of this person’s detention, they confirmed that the detainee is currently safe and in good health. There was no information provided regarding whether this second arrest is connected to the reported detention of a Japanese journalist from the previous month.
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi provided further insights during a parliamentary panel session, indicating that contact with both detainees was successfully established following the military actions of late February. He reassured that the Japanese government is taking all necessary measures to support the detainees, their families, and others involved in the situation. Motegi had a meeting with the Iranian ambassador earlier in the week, where he reiterated Japan’s request for the expedited release of the detained nationals.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has identified the first detainee as Shinnosuke Kawashima, who serves as the Tehran bureau chief for Japanese public broadcaster NHK. According to a report from CPJ, Kawashima was detained by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on January 20 and was subsequently transferred to Evin Prison on February 23. The report cited an unidentified source speaking on condition of anonymity due to fears of retribution.
In response to Kawashima’s detention, the Committee to Protect Journalists called for his immediate release, along with other journalists who may be facing similar circumstances as a result of their professional duties. This detention has added a layer of tension in the relationship between Japan and Iran, particularly concerning the treatment of foreign citizens and journalists in the region.
