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2021 February 24 - March 2 [US FORCES]

Okinawa Prefectural Assembly unanimously protests against latest sex crime involving US marine

The Okinawa Prefectural Assembly on February 24 unanimously adopted a resolution lodged with the Japanese and U.S. governments a protest against the latest sexual assault against a woman committed by a U.S. marine stationed in the prefecture.

The incident was caused by the drunken marine at the end of January in Naha City. The prefectural assembly in the written protest stressed that sexual offences not only bring mental and physical pain to victims but also trample on their human dignity.

The resolution points out that it is highly likely that the latest case occurred in violation of the U.S. military’s Liberty Order under which consumption of alcohol outside the bases is prohibited between midnight and 5 a.m. as well as in violation of the U.S. military’s anti-coronavirus measures. The resolution criticizes the U.S. forces in Okinawa for failing to carry out adequate human rights education and enforce military discipline properly.

The Okinawa prefectural legislature in its resolution emphasized the need for an apology and full compensation to the victim and her family. It also demanded that the U.S. forces strengthen military discipline; take effective measures to prevent a recurrence of sex crimes; and take steps to have all military personnel comply with the Liberty Order. Along with these demands, the resolution calls for a fundamental review of the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement and the holding of bilateral working group meetings without delay to discuss measures to prevent future incidents and accidents by U.S. military service members and civilian components.

Past related article:
> Okinawans angry at another sex crime committed by US marine and the spate of low altitude flights [ February 18 & 19, 2021]