An Okinawa prefectural assembly committee has compiled a resolution of protest and a written statement regarding multiple cases of alleged sexual violence involving US military personnel stationed in the prefecture.
The resolution of protest to the US side, including US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel, and the statement to Japan’s government officials, including Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, were agreed upon by a special committee meeting of the assembly on Thursday.
The resolution says sexual assault against women is an extremely heinous crime that tramples on human dignity and cannot be tolerated under the laws and justice of either country.
The statement points out that investigative authorities and the Foreign Ministry failed to provide the Okinawa prefectural government and local municipalities with information about the serious incidents. It says this has raised doubts among people in the prefecture.
The resolution of protest and the statement call for an apology, compensation and mental care for the victims.
They also request that the prefectural government and relevant municipalities be promptly notified of incidents involving US military personnel, while putting top priority on the protection of the victims’ privacy.
The resolution of protest and the statement are expected to be approved at a plenary session of the prefectural assembly on Wednesday next week.