Foreign Ministry delayed telling Okinawa about U.S. airman's alleged sex crime
June 26, 2024
Source:
www.japantimes.co.jp
A U.S. Air Force serviceman in Okinawa Prefecture was indicted in March for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor in December — a case that the Foreign Ministry did not inform the prefectural governor about until the incident was reported by the media on Tuesday.
Crimes by U.S. military personnel in Okinawa, especially sex crimes, have triggered anti-U.S. military sentiment among local residents, in turn making this a politically and diplomatically sensitive issue. The Foreign Ministry's delay in informing the Okinawa Prefectural Government could further strain the relationship between the prefecture and Tokyo.
The indictment alleges that Brennon Washington, 25, approached a minor under 16, whom he did not know beforehand, at a park on the afternoon of Dec. 24 and brought her home in his car, despite knowing that she was underage. There, he allegedly sexually abused her, including by kissing and touching her lower body.
The police received an emergency call that day from an associate of the girl. Officers sent papers on the suspect to prosecutors on March 11, but decided not to disclose the case to protect her privacy.
The 18th Wing of the U.S. Air Force at Kadena Air Base confirmed that Washington was stationed there and acknowledged the allegations, adding that its leadership is “deeply concerned by the severity of this alleged crime” and “has worked diligently with local authorities to investigate the allegations thoroughly.”
“The U.S. military is committed to holding those accountable who are convicted of criminal acts,” said a statement from the 18th Wing’s chief of public affairs, 1st Lt. Alvin G. Nelson III.
Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki, who learned about the situation on Tuesday from the media, expressed anger over the case, and questioned why the foreign and defense ministries failed to inform him.
“Not only does it cause anxiety among the residents of the prefecture, who are forced to live side by side with the base, but it also tramples on the dignity of women, especially considering the fact that the victim is a minor,” Tamaki told reporters Tuesday
According to the governor, the Okinawa Office of the Foreign Ministry recognized that “such an incident should not happen” and that the vice minister had demanded to U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel that disciplinary action be taken.
While recognizing that the delay in notification was perhaps due to the investigation, Tamaki nonetheless said that “the lack of communication can only cause distrust.”
The Naha District Public Prosecutor's Office — where charges were filed on March 27 — has not disclosed whether the defendant has admitted to the charges. The first court hearing will take place on July 12.
In a similar case in 2008, a U.S. marine sexually assaulted a young girl in the prefecture, but the victim withdrew her complaint after receiving hate and slander.
The governor said Tuesday that the feelings of the victim and her family must be taken into consideration, and cautioned against blaming the victim.
In 1995, the rape of an elementary schoolgirl by three U.S. servicemen sparked outrage in the prefecture, with a protest drawing an estimated 85,000 people in Ginowan.
Crimes committed by U.S. military personnel and civilian personnel between 1972, when Okinawa was returned to Japan, and 2021 totaled 6,109. Of these, 584 were violent crimes such as murder, robbery and rape, according to the Okinawa Prefectural Government.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi refrained from commenting on the case at a news conference Wednesday, citing the ongoing criminal investigation.