A trial is underway in Belarus for a Japanese man detained in July. Authorities accuse him of spying on the military.
The Japanese Embassy in Belarus says the court hearing was held behind closed doors on Friday at a court in Minsk. The embassy’s request to observe was denied.
Nakanishi Masatoshi had worked as a Japanese language teacher.
He is accused of collecting information on military facilities and sending it to Japanese intelligence agents.
Local media say he could face up to seven years in prison.
The embassy says it has been supporting him, and will continue to take appropriate action.