Okinawa police refer 2 US soldiers to prosecutors for alleged sexual assaults
Police in Okinawa, southwestern Japan, say they have referred two US Marines to prosecutors on suspicion of committing separate sexually assaults against women.
Police say one of them allegedly sexually assaulted a woman and injured another on Okinawa's main island in March.
Sources familiar with the case say the incident took place in a restroom in a US military base. The sources also say the suspect used violence against a woman who tried to protect the sexually assaulted woman.
Police say another Marine is suspected of sexually assaulting a female acquaintance in January.
Police say they investigated the cases after receiving complaints from the women and sent papers on the cases to prosecutors on April 7. They say the soldiers are in their 20s.
Police have not disclosed whether the suspects admitted to the charges, saying such a disclosure would hinder investigations.
Last year, it emerged that the prefectural government was not being informed of sex crimes involving US military personnel. A system was launched between the prefectural police and government to share information when an arrest is made or papers are sent to prosecutors over US service members. Police say this is the fourth case of reporting under this system.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Okinawa Governor Tamaki Denny referred to a joint security patrol that was carried out in Okinawa City on Friday night including local police and the US military. He said he confirmed the need to raise awareness of crime prevention in cooperation with the military.
Tamaki said the US side should change its thinking about the issue. He said he will ask the Japanese government and the US to what extent they think they are responsible for the current situation.
US Ambassador to Japan George Glass said in a statement, "The United States takes seriously all criminal allegations against US personnel and cooperates fully with local authorities and the Japanese government in their investigations." His statement goes on to say, "We deeply value the ties of trust and friendship we have built over many decades with our Japanese hosts, and I am committed to doing everything I can to prevent actions that may jeopardize these bonds."
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