Prosecutors in Okinawa Prefecture, southern Japan, have charged a US Marine for allegedly attempting to sexually assault a woman and injuring her.
The news broke three days after another case involving US military personnel came to light. A US Air Force member stationed in Okinawa was indicted in March for the alleged kidnap and sexual assault of an underage girl last December.
Marine Lance Corporal Jamel Clayton has been indicted over the incident that took place on May 26.
Prosecutors say the woman resisted and the 21-year-old suspect left the scene, but the police found him after receiving a call and arrested him outside a US military base. The charge was filed on June 17.
The prefectural government lodged a protest to US forces in Japan for a delay in notifying the incident, saying it is causing concern for people who are forced to live next to US bases in Okinawa.
About 70 percent of US military facilities in Japan are concentrated in Okinawa. Local communities have seen a number of incidents involving US personnel.
The Marines in Okinawa told NHK that they have confirmed that a member has been charged, and they are cooperating in the judicial procedures.
They said the suspect’s alleged behavior neither reflects their values nor represents the behavior of the overwhelming majority of the personnel in Okinawa.
They added that they are making great efforts to instill their values into the members through regular education and training on duty.
Okinawa Governor Tamaki Denny told reporters on Friday that the crime is unforgivable because it causes residents severe anxiety and disregards women’s human rights and dignity. He said the incident has made him deeply angry.
He also said the prefecture will request that the US military and related bodies take steps to prevent a recurrence and ensure that they provide information in accordance with a procedure agreed on by Japan and the United States.
Tamaki added that the prefecture wants to discuss with the Defense Ministry’s local bureau, the Foreign Ministry and police to reaffirm their information-sharing system.