Japanese Media: Japanese Citizen Detained in Iran Released; Rumored to be NHK Bureau Chief
Reports indicate that a Japanese citizen detained in Iran since January, believed to be the NHK Tehran Bureau Chief, has been released. Both the Japanese Foreign Ministry and NHK declined to comment.
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Reports point out that the released individual is believed to be the Tehran Bureau Chief of the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK).
When AFP contacted the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NHK, neither side immediately confirmed the news.
If the Kyodo News report is accurate, this would be the second case of a Japanese citizen being released in Iran, following the Japanese government's announcement of another citizen's release last month.
Earlier media reports indicated that after being arrested on January 20, the NHK bureau chief was sent to a prison known for holding political prisoners.
At that time, a Japanese government spokesperson confirmed that a Japanese citizen had indeed been detained that day but refused to provide further details.
NHK also declined to comment at the time. (Translated by: Cai Jiamin) 1150407
When AFP contacted the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NHK, neither side immediately confirmed the news.
If the Kyodo News report is accurate, this would be the second case of a Japanese citizen being released in Iran, following the Japanese government's announcement of another citizen's release last month.
Earlier media reports indicated that after being arrested on January 20, the NHK bureau chief was sent to a prison known for holding political prisoners.
At that time, a Japanese government spokesperson confirmed that a Japanese citizen had indeed been detained that day but refused to provide further details.
NHK also declined to comment at the time. (Translated by: Cai Jiamin) 1150407