TOKYO, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) — Police within the southernmost Japan prefecture of Okinawa have referred a sexual assault case involving a U.S. Marine to prosecutors, native media reported, the most recent in a collection of allegations of violence towards girls on the island internet hosting the majority of U.S. army amenities.
The serviceman in his 30s, who’s in U.S. custody, is suspected of sexually assaulting and injuring an grownup lady in Okinawa final November, Kyodo News reported, citing an investigative supply.
Okinawa police notified the prefectural authorities of the referral on Wednesday. It isn’t clear whether or not the suspect has admitted to the allegation.
The assault occurred in a constructing situated within the central a part of the principle island of Okinawa. The two allegedly met for the primary time that day, and the lady made a report back to the native police instantly afterwards, the report stated.
Police recognized the person, together with via safety digital camera footage, and questioned him on a voluntary foundation.
Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki expressed sturdy remorse and anger over the most recent revelation. “This is a matter of great concern to the people of Okinawa, and we demand a firm response,” Tamaki stated in an announcement.
“There have been five serious and heinous crimes in around the past year that have disregarded the human rights and dignities of women,” he stated, including “I believe there is a need to lodge strong protests with both the Japanese and U.S. governments.”
The island of Okinawa hosts 70 % of all of the U.S. army bases in Japan whereas accounting for less than 0.6 % of the nation’s complete land space. Crimes dedicated by U.S. service members and nonmilitary personnel have been a relentless supply of grievance for locals.
Locals felt a renewed sense of anger final 12 months after the Japanese central authorities was discovered to have did not report back to the native authorities two alleged sexual assault circumstances involving U.S. army members.