A spate of sexual assaults have reportedly been dedicated by American service members on Okinawa Island previously yr
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi has urged the American navy stationed on Okinawa Island to make modifications to forestall additional intercourse crimes, following a fifth sexual assault incident involving a US Marine in simply over a yr, it was reported on Thursday.
The most up-to-date case, wherein a serviceman in his 30s was accused of raping a girl, leading to damage in November. The incident reignited issues amongst Okinawa residents, Hayashi mentioned. The southernmost prefecture is dwelling to nearly all of American navy amenities in Japan.
“We will urge US forces in Japan to strengthen discipline and fully implement preventive measures,” added Hayashi, who’s the minister answerable for mitigating the affect of US forces in Okinawa.
The assault allegedly occurred in a constructing situated within the central a part of Okinawa’s predominant island, based on a supply. The lady reported the incident to native police instantly afterwards. The serviceman accused of rape has been referred to prosecutors for potential costs, native media reported, citing a police spokesman.
Under the Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement, American navy personnel are typically stored in US custody till they’re formally charged in Japan, except they’re apprehended on the crime scene.
“There have been five serious and heinous crimes in the past year that have disregarded the human rights and dignity of women,” Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki mentioned in a press release on Wednesday, as quoted by native media. “I believe there is a need to lodge strong protests with both the Japanese and US governments,” he added.
The incident is the most recent in a spate of violent assaults towards ladies in Okinawa. In December, a Japanese courtroom convicted Senior Airman Brennon Washington of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old woman a yr earlier, sentencing him to 5 years in jail with arduous labor. He has appealed the decision. In June, a Marine lance corporal was indicted for tried sexual assault, and in September, one other Marine lance corporal was charged with injuring a girl throughout a sexual assault.
Opposition to the US navy presence is robust in Okinawa attributable to points similar to plane noise, air pollution, and crimes dedicated by American personnel, based on experiences. Local residents have been significantly outraged final yr when native media revealed that the Japanese authorities had did not report two sexual assault circumstances involving American service members.
Police claimed that it had not disclosed the incidents as a result of want to guard victims’ privateness.Â