Iran releases Japanese national on bail after antigovernment protests

A Japanese national has been released on bail in Iran, according to Japan’s government spokesperson. The individual is believed to be Shinnosuke Kawashima, a Tokyo-based journalist who was detained by Iranian authorities on January 20.

According to Minoru Kihara, the government spokesman, the person was released on April 6 local time and appeared to have no health issues. However, further details about their identity, charges, or release conditions were not provided.

The individual is reportedly not allowed to leave Iran and is expected to stand trial for security-related offences. Japan’s Kyodo News reported that Kawashima had been charged with these offences.

In February, it was reported that another NHK journalist, Mehdi Mohammedi, had his passport confiscated along with his personal devices after being summoned by Iranian authorities. A third NHK staff member fled Iran in early February after being summoned several times.

This release comes months after Kawashima’s detention amid antigovernment protests in Iran. The protests were triggered by the worsening economic situation following decades of US sanctions, which ultimately led to large demonstrations.

Japan and Iran have historically had relatively friendly relations. However, Japan has reduced its imports of Iranian oil as part of international pressure over Tehran’s nuclear activities.

In recent days, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi held a call with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, to discuss the ongoing regional war.

Source: Al Jazeera