Journalism Is Not a Crime: Statement in Support of Yuki Imai

We, Russian Voices for Peace, protest the unlawful detention of Hokkaido Shimbun journalist Yuki Imai and the “espionage” charges brought against her.

Journalism is not a crime. The authorities’ attempts to fabricate espionage charges and put pressure on a journalist who was carrying out her legitimate work constitute a flagrant violation of freedom of expression and human rights. Such actions are absolutely unacceptable.

This is far from the first time the Russian authorities have used such methods. We clearly remember the case of Evan Gershkovich, the American journalist working for The Wall Street Journal.

The current unlawful arrest of Yuki Imai follows the same pattern, directly continuing the practice of “hostage diplomacy,” in which foreign nationals are used by the state as bargaining chips in political negotiations.