Nakaniši Masatoši

Nakaniši Masatoši is a Japanese national who was sentenced to seven years in prison in Belarus for alleged espionage activities. He was accused of photographing military and civilian facilities for the Japanese intelligence service, which the Belarusian authorities claimed compromised national security. Nakaniši, who had lived in Belarus since 2018 and taught Japanese at a local university, was arrested in July 2024, with the news of his detention only being made public in September 2024. His trial was held behind closed doors, and he has been recognized as a political prisoner by human rights organizations. His case has drawn international attention and criticism, particularly from Belarusian opposition figures who have called for his release.