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
FAQ
Who is the released Japanese citizen believed to be?
The released individual is believed to be the Tehran Bureau Chief of the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK).
How did the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NHK respond when contacted by AFP?
Neither the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs nor NHK immediately confirmed the news when contacted by AFP.
When was the NHK bureau chief arrested before being sent to prison?
The NHK bureau chief was arrested on January 20 before being sent to a prison known for holding political prisoners.
What did the Japanese government spokesperson confirm regarding the detention?
The spokesperson confirmed that a Japanese citizen had been detained on January 20 but refused to provide further details.
How many cases of Japanese citizens being released in Iran would this be if the report is accurate?
This would be the second case of a Japanese citizen being released in Iran, following an announcement of another release last month.