Serious crimes by U.S. soldiers increasing in Okinawa

Japan Press Weekly

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Serious crimes by U.S. soldiers increasing in Okinawa

In 2008, U.S. military personnel, dependents, and their families in Okinawa committed more crimes than the previous year, and the number of arrested for committing holdups, sexual assaults, and other serious crimes marked a record high over the past 13 years, according to the Okinawa Prefectural Police.

The number of arrests jumped 7 to 70 on the year.

Specifically, there were 7 cases of serious crimes (involving 13 criminals), a record high since 1985, when 18 were arrested, and 5 cases of violent crimes (involving 6 criminals).

Last year, atrocious crimes by U.S. marines and soldiers continued in Okinawa, including a sexual assault on junior high school girl student, taxi holdups, and destruction of property at a hospital.

- Akahata, February 17, 2009