Accessibility links

Breaking News

Belarusian TV Says Japanese Man Detained While Collecting Information Near Border


A screen grab from the the Belarus 1 TV channel showing a Japanese man whom security forces say they detained.
A screen grab from the the Belarus 1 TV channel showing a Japanese man whom security forces say they detained.

Belarusian security forces have detained a Japanese man who they say is an intelligence agent who observed border areas and military installations, local media reported on September 4. Belarusian state TV channel Belarus 1 reported the arrest and said it would provide more details on September 5. Belarusian media said he was suspected of gathering intelligence on social and economic conditions in Belarus, the implementation of China's Belt and Road initiative, and the situation along Belarus's border with Ukraine. The man introduces himself in the video as Nakamishi Masatushi. A man with that name is listed on Homel State University's website and is identified as a Japanese language teacher.

  • 16x9 Image

    RFE/RL's Belarus Service

    RFE/RL's Belarus Service is one of the leading providers of news and analysis to Belarusian audiences in their own language. It is a bulwark against pervasive Russian propaganda and defies the government’s virtual monopoly on domestic broadcast media.

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

​
XS
SM
MD
LG