Tokyo demands an apology from Moscow after the arrest of a diplomat
Japan on Tuesday demanded an “official apology” from Russia after the arrest and ill-treatment of its consul-general in Vladivostok (Far East) on charges of espionage.
Russian security services said Monday they arrested Tatsunori Motoki “in the act” when he received “confidential information on cooperation” between Moscow and an Asian country “in return for compensation.” The Japanese diplomat was declared an undesirable person and ordered to leave Russia within 48 hours.
Japanese government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno flatly denied the spying allegations, saying Tuesday the Russian ambassador in Tokyo has been summoned to the Foreign Ministry over the treatment of the diplomat, which he says violated the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
“The officer was blindfolded, both hands and his head pinned to the ground so he could not move during detention, and then he was interrogated in an authoritarian manner,” Mr Matsuno said, adding that Japan is “strong.” protested. against “these unbelievable acts”. The Japanese diplomat has since been released and will leave Russia by Wednesday, Matsuno said.