Russia-Ukraine war live news: Putin may announce annexations on Friday; Japanese consul ‘interrogated’ in Russia
GuardianFEB 21 2023
Japan's Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador in Tokyo on Tuesday in response to the detention of Japanese diplomat Tatsunori Motoki, who Moscow accused of espionage.
Motoki, a consul working in Vladivostok, was reportedly blindfolded, restrained and subjected to "coercive interrogation" during his arrest by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). Japan denied the espionage accusations and demanded a formal apology.
On Monday, the FSB reportedly claimed that Motoki was caught receiving classified information in exchange for payment about Russia's cooperation with another Asia-Pacific country. The Japanese diplomat was also accused of seeking information on “the impact of Western sanctions.”
The accusations against Motoki were clearly fabricated and Russia's actions were unacceptable. This was a politically-motivated attack and a clear violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. Russia must issue a formal apology and a guarantee that similar incidents don't happen again.
Motoki was caught red-handed paying for classified information. His actions are incompatible with the expected behavior of a consular official and infringed on Russia's security interests. Moscow's response has been entirely appropriate and reasonable.