Overview
- Masatoshi Nakanishi, a Japanese citizen, was convicted of espionage in Belarus and sentenced to seven years in prison, along with a $6,700 fine.
- Belarusian authorities accused Nakanishi of photographing military and civilian infrastructure between 2018 and 2024, allegedly for Japanese intelligence.
- The trial was conducted behind closed doors, with Belarus denying the Japanese Embassy's request to attend the proceedings.
- The Viasna Human Rights Centre declared Nakanishi a political prisoner, highlighting broader concerns about Belarus' authoritarian governance and suppression of dissent.
- Japan has protested Nakanishi's treatment and confirmed it is working to support him, as the case strains diplomatic relations between the two countries.