Russian authorities have denied a request from the Japanese Embassy for consular access to a Japanese citizen being held at Moscow’s Lefortovo prison, officials from the embassy reported. Diplomatic staff who attempted to visit the individual, described in some reports as a journalist, were refused entry to the detention facility.
In a formal statement, the Japanese Embassy in Moscow confirmed the attempted visit and the denial of access. The embassy stated it will continue to urge Russian authorities to grant a consular meeting with the detained citizen.
“We are providing necessary support and, through diplomatic channels, have been strongly urging the Russian side for an early release of the individual and to allow a consular meeting,” Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said during a press conference in Tokyo.
The identity of the detained individual has not been officially released by the Japanese government. Russian state media outlets have reported that the person was detained by the Federal Security Service (FSB) on suspicion of espionage. The FSB, which operates the Lefortovo detention center, has not issued a public comment on the denial of consular access.
According to Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, all legal procedures concerning foreign detainees are conducted in accordance with the laws of the Russian Federation.
The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, to which both Japan and Russia are signatories, addresses the rights of foreign nationals who are arrested or detained. The agreement specifies that consular officers shall be free to communicate with and have access to nationals of their home state. It also states that authorities must inform the individual of these rights “without delay.” The practical application of the convention often becomes a point of dispute in diplomatic incidents.
The case occurs amid strained relations between Tokyo and Moscow. Japanese officials have reiterated their call for the citizen’s immediate release and for Russia to adhere to its obligations under international law regarding consular access.
