Japan Press Weekly

Tweet

2012 June 20 - 26 [US FORCES]

Court fails to hold gov’t accountable for murder by US sailor

The Tokyo High Court on June 22 turned down a bereaved person’s claim seeking Japanese government compensation for the murder of his wife by a U.S. serviceman.

The lawsuit was filed by Yamazaki Masanori, 64, whose wife was beaten to death by a U.S. sailor in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture in 2006.

Following a lower court decision, the latest ruling did not recognize the U.S. Force’s failure to fulfill its obligation to supervise its servicemen.

Nearly 150 people gathered in front of the high court and raised their voices of protest against the court decision.

At a press conference held on the same day, Yamazaki’s lawyer criticized the ruling for putting the U.S. forces’ operations before Japanese citizens’ safety. Yamazaki said that he intends to take the case to the Supreme Court.

They also made representations to the foreign and defense ministries calling for government efforts to eradicate crimes committed by U.S. military personnel and give appropriate relief to the victims.