Fears mount over Japanese reporter detained in Iran being used as ‘hostage diplomacy’

The arrest of a Japanese journalist in Iran has puzzled observers and prompted speculation that it is linked to the US threat to attack the country over its nuclear programme.On Tuesday, Radio Free Europe reported the arrest of Shinnosuke Kawashima, the Tehran bureau chief for Japan’s national broadcaster NHK. The US government-funded news outlet reported that Kawashima was first detained on January 20 and later taken to the notorious Evin prison, which has been used to hold political prisoners for decades.Iranian authorities have not confirmed Kawashima’s arrest, and it is not known whether he is facing any charges.Masanao Ozaki, Japan’s deputy chief cabinet secretary, confirmed on Wednesday that a Japanese national had been detained in Iran but declined to provide further details, citing privacy.Japanese diplomats are in direct contact with their counterparts in Tehran and are providing support to the detainee’s family, according to Osaki. Tokyo had “strongly urged” the Iranian authorities to release the Japanese national, he added.NHK has been tight-lipped about the matter, stating only that it places top priority on ensuring the safety of its staff.