Japan Press Weekly

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2013 August 14 - 20 [US FORCES]

Military authorities leave damages for taxi holdup by 2 US Marines unpaid

Military authorities of Japan and the United States have been leaving the payment of damages for a victim of a taxi holdup involving two U.S. Marines unpaid for almost five years.

A lawyer of the 71-year-old former taxi driver on August 19 held a news conference and said that he already sent out a notice requesting that the Okinawa Defense Bureau press the U.S. military to pay damages to the victim who was robbed in Okinawa City in 2006. The lawyer also said he is considering taking both governments to court.

Regarding incidents committed by off-duty U.S. servicemen, the Ministry of Defense requests the U.S. Forces in Japan to pay restitution based on the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement. Accordingly, the U.S. side pays some portions as a consolatory payment and Japan’s government makes up the rest.

The Naha District Court in 2009 judged the two perpetrators to be responsible for damages and confirmed the amount of about 28 million yen in compensation.

The victim has, however, received neither contact from the defense office nor the payment of damages, said the lawyer. The ex-driver received a whiplash injury in the assault and still suffers from PTSD.