The Japanese Embassy in Beijing says a court in the Chinese capital opened a trial last month of a Japanese businessperson who had been indicted on suspicion of espionage.
The man in his 50s is an employee of Japan's Astellas Pharma. He was detained by security authorities in Beijing in March last year for alleged involvement in espionage. He was later arrested and indicted.
The embassy says his first hearing was held in late November at the court behind closed doors, and the embassy officials were not allowed to attend.
The schedule for future hearings is unclear, while his detention has continued for a long period.
The embassy says it will continue to provide support for the man through meetings with him and communications with his family.
It also says it will continue, through contacts at various levels, to strongly urge the Chinese side to release him.
A number of foreign nationals have been detained in China for alleged spying since the country introduced an anti-espionage law in 2014.
A total of 17 Japanese nationals have been detained, and five are still serving sentences or are on trial.
The man in his 50s is an employee of Japan's Astellas Pharma. He was detained by security authorities in Beijing in March last year for alleged involvement in espionage. He was later arrested and indicted.
The embassy says his first hearing was held in late November at the court behind closed doors, and the embassy officials were not allowed to attend.
The schedule for future hearings is unclear, while his detention has continued for a long period.
The embassy says it will continue to provide support for the man through meetings with him and communications with his family.
It also says it will continue, through contacts at various levels, to strongly urge the Chinese side to release him.
A number of foreign nationals have been detained in China for alleged spying since the country introduced an anti-espionage law in 2014.
A total of 17 Japanese nationals have been detained, and five are still serving sentences or are on trial.
Similar Readings (5 items)
Japanese drugmaker employee indicted in China
Japanese businessman formally arrested in China for alleged espionage
China to decide whether to indict Japanese businessman
Japanese businessman placed under criminal detention in China
Detained Astellas worker became unreachable just before leaving China
Summary
A Japanese businessman from Astellas Pharma was indicted for espionage in Beijing last month, with his trial occurring behind closed doors. The man, in his 50s, has been detained since March 2021 and his future hearings' schedule remains uncertain. The Japanese Embassy is providing support to the
Statistics
188
Words1
Read CountDetails
ID: b730e1ae-874f-4c15-a274-5d7e025d575b
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20241209_26/
Date: Dec. 9, 2024
Created: 2024/12/10 07:00
Updated: 2025/12/08 08:01
Last Read: 2024/12/10 08:00