Russian authorities have arrested Japanese journalist Yuki Imai on espionage charges, according to Russian court records dated Oct. 13.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said Imai, who works for the Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper, was detained in Russia's Far East near islands disputed by Moscow and Tokyo before being transferred to Moscow.

The FSB accused Imai of collecting information for Japanese intelligence on the number of mobilised soldiers and volunteers involved in Russia's war against Ukraine. The alleged intelligence gathering took place among residents of the disputed islands, which are controlled by Moscow, the security service said.

Footage released by Russian state media appeared to show the journalist being pinned to the ground and handcuffed before officers instructed him to turn on his laptop.

The Hokkaido Shimbun has a dedicated team covering Japan-Russia relations, territorial disputes between the two countries and Russia's war against Ukraine.

The allegations against Imai come amid continued restrictions on independent media and the detention of journalists in Russia. Reporters Without Borders says dozens of journalists and media workers remain detained in the country.

Russian authorities have repeatedly faced accusations of using politically motivated charges against opposition figures, journalists and foreign nationals.

On Oct. 4, Moscow police detained about 60 people at an authorised Communist Party rally after demonstrators began chanting slogans against the Kremlin, according to the party and Russian rights group OVD-Info. (ILKHA)