Tokyo, feb 25, (dpa/GNA) – The Japanese government, on Wednesday called on Iran to release one of its citizens, who was arrested last month.
He was apprehended by Iranian authorities on January 20, and remains in custody, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Masanao Ozaki said.
Japan is demanding his swift release, the minister added, declining to provide further details, citing privacy concerns.
Sources tell dpa the detainee is a Japanese journalist, who was arrested during the recent nationwide anti-government protests in Iran.
Ozaki said the Japanese government is in contact with the detainee and his family, and is providing necessary support.
In early January, Iran’s security forces suppressed mass demonstrations across the country.
According to the news agency of the US-based Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRANA), more than 7,000 people were killed in the crackdown, including over 200 members of the security forces. Around 53,500 arrests were reported.
The demonstrations, initially triggered by a severe economic crisis, were the most significant unrest in the country in years.
GNA