Overview
- Japan confirmed a citizen has been held in Tehran since January 20, says it is in contact with the detainee and family, and has formally demanded an early release.
- Reports identify the detainee as Shinnosuke Kawashima of NHK, who was reportedly moved to Evin Prison on February 23, with no charges disclosed.
- CPJ called for Kawashima’s immediate release and reported, citing an anonymous source, that the IRGC arrested him before the transfer to Evin.
- CPJ also reported seizures of NHK staff equipment, the confiscation of a videographer’s passport, and one staff member’s flight from Iran following the arrest.
- Japan has advised citizens to avoid travel to Iran and to evacuate if already there, as press-rights groups document a broader sweep of journalist arrests tied to the protests.