- A US soldier charged for raping a teenager
- The case has drawn parallels to a 1995 incident
- Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki expressed outrage
A US soldier has been charged with kidnapping and raping a teenage girl in Okinawa, Japan, sparking renewed tensions over the American military presence in the region.
The 25-year-old Air Force man allegedly assaulted the minor, who is under 16, on December 24. He was identified through security footage and has been in Japanese custody since March.
The case has drawn parallels to a 1995 incident where three US service members raped a 12-year-old girl, sparking widespread protests. Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki expressed outrage, stating the case has eroded trust and violated the girl’s dignity.
The incident highlights long-standing concerns about sexual assaults by US personnel in Japan, where over 50,000 American soldiers are stationed, including 30,000 in Okinawa.
The US has maintained a military presence in Okinawa since World War Two, with the bases gaining strategic importance due to their proximity to Taiwan and China.
The case has sparked renewed calls for the US to prevent such incidents and for Japan to redefine rape laws. The first hearing is scheduled for July 12.
