Japan Confirms Detention of Nationals in Belarus

The EU has called for the immediate release of Mikalai Khilo, a Belarusian political prisoner, who is set to stand trial on December 23 and faces a potential 4 to 12-year sentence. The EU has been in regular contact with Khilo's family and lawyer as roughly 1,300 political prisoners are reported in Belarus. Meanwhile, the Japanese Embassy confirmed the detention of a second Japanese national in Belarus, following earlier reports of a Japanese language teacher apprehended in July on spying allegations. This recent detainee was reportedly filming a road in the Gomel Region near the Ukrainian border, raising concerns amid Belarus's cooperation with Russia during the ongoing war. The embassy has refrained from disclosing details about either individual detained, emphasizing ongoing efforts to support Japanese nationals in Belarus. The situation highlights the increasing tensions and diplomatic challenges in the region.