Police sends U.S. Marine major's case to prosecutors office

After the U.S. government refused to hand over to Japan the suspect of an attempted rape, the Okinawa Prefectural Police on December 9 sent the papers of the case to the Naha District Court.

Major Michael Brown of the U.S. Marines at Camp Courtney in Okinawa is the suspect in the attempted rape on November 2.

If the district court indicts the suspect, he will be handed over to Japan based on the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).

In the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee meeting on December 4, the U.S. side rejected Japan's demand that the suspect be handed over to Japan before he is indicted.

The Okinawa prefectural people's repulsion by the SOFA is increasing due to its preventing Japan from getting the suspect into custody before prosecution. Opinion demanding that the SOFA be drastically revised is likely to increase. (end)