YANGON, May 14 (Japan Times) - A Japanese freelance journalist detained by security forces in Myanmar in mid-April and accused of spreading "fake news" has been released and arrived at Yangon International Airport on Friday.

Yuki Kitazumi, 45, was arrested in Yangon on April 18 and a military spokesman said Thursday night he had been moved from prison to a police facility.

The Japanese Embassy in Myanmar said its staff spoke with Kitazumi by phone on Wednesday and found he has no health issues. The embassy also confirmed the military's plan to release him.

According to a state-run TV station, the junta's information office said Kitazumi had been arrested and indicted for supporting the anti-coup civil disobedience movement and violent protests, and for not complying with visa regulations.

The State Administration Council Information Team reportedly said while Kitazumi "has broken some laws," the decision to release him was made "in consideration of cordial relations between Myanmar and Japan up to now and in view of future bilateral relations, and upon the request of the Japanese government special envoy on Myanmar's national reconciliation."

The journalist, who previously worked at the Tokyo-based Nikkei business daily, had covered anti-government protests and posted on social media information deemed to be critical of the military.

Kitazumi had been detained previously while covering an anti-military protest on Feb. 26, but he was released later in the day.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato, Japan's top government spokesman, had demanded during a regular briefing on April 20 that the security forces in Myanmar release Kitazumi.

Kitazumi could have faced a jail term of up to three years if convicted under the penal code as amended after the Feb. 1 military coup.