Japanese reporter says barring him from Syria sets a bad precedent
A Japanese photojournalist whose passport was confiscated by the government ahead of a planned trip to Syria said his case sets a dangerous precedent for other journalists travelling abroad to report on foreign wars. In an unprecedented move, Japan's Foreign Ministry seized freelance photographer Yuichi Sugimoto's passport this month as it steps up security after the execution of two Japanese nationals captured by Islamic State militants.
"I am concerned that this case might set a very bad precedent in this country. In the future, other journalists might have orders issued and their passports confiscated," Sugimoto told a news conference on Thursday. "The freedom to report, the freedom to cover news might be harmed," he said.
