The trial of a Japanese man has begun in Myanmar over his alleged involvement in an anti-coup protest amid calls from Japan's government for his early release, Myanmar's ruling military said Tuesday.
Documentary filmmaker Toru Kubota, detained in a Yangon prison, has been charged with sedition and violating the immigration law.
"Legal action was taken against Toru Kubota for his involvement in a protest in Yangon on July 30, and the proceedings are ongoing," the military said in a brief statement.
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The Japanese government has urged the junta to release Kubota as soon as possible but the decision will be made by the relevant court, according to the military.
Despite a request by the Japanese Embassy in Myanmar for a meeting with Kubota, it has yet to be realized, according to the embassy.
The embassy quoted a prison official as saying the prison does not see any problems with Kubota's health.
Local media have reported Kubota was detained along with two Myanmar people while filming a protest in the South Dagon Township area of the country's largest city.
Kubota entered Myanmar last month from neighboring Thailand on a tourist visa and contacted protesters regarding where they would gather for a demonstration.
Myanmar has been under military rule since a coup in February 2021 that toppled the democratically elected government of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
