U.S. Marine Accused of Sexual Assault in Okinawa Sparks Local Outrage

The case marks the fourth reported sexual assault involving U.S. military personnel in Okinawa in the past year, prompting calls for stronger accountability measures.

• A U.S. Marine in his 30s has been accused of sexually assaulting and injuring an Okinawan woman in November 2024, with the case now under review by Japanese prosecutors.
• The alleged incident occurred inside a building on Okinawa's main island, and the victim reported it immediately to local authorities, who reviewed security footage and questioned the Marine.
• This is the fourth reported sexual assault involving U.S. service members in Okinawa in the past year, intensifying tensions between the local community and the U.S. military presence.
• Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki has condemned the incident as deeply concerning and has demanded a firm response to address the growing public outrage.
• The U.S. Marine Corps is cooperating with Japanese authorities, but the accused Marine remains in U.S. military custody as prosecutors weigh potential charges.

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