Japan has lodged a protest with the United States after police arrested a US Marine on suspicion of robbing and killing a woman in Okinawa. The case has also brought demonstrators onto the streets of Okinawa and Tokyo.
Police suspect Lance Corporal Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, of killing Anna Yagi, 39, at a hotel in Naha on Saturday and taking her wallet and backpack. Ballard denies the allegations, according to Reuters.
Ballard was arrested on Sunday and sent to prosecutors on Monday. Japanese authorities are investigating the case; an arrest on suspicion does not establish guilt. Prosecutors had not yet decided whether to bring formal charges when Associated Press reported on the case.
Japan demands cooperation
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has called for full US cooperation with the investigation and stronger discipline among American military personnel in Japan. Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi summoned the commander of US Forces Japan, while Okinawa’s governor raised his objections directly with senior US officials on the island.
The US embassy and Marine Corps have expressed condolences and said they are cooperating with Japanese authorities. Ballard remains in Japanese custody.
Why the arrest has drawn protests
People gathered in Naha on Sunday to mourn Yagi and renew calls for US military bases to be removed from Okinawa. A protest was also held in Tokyo, according to Al Jazeera.
Okinawa hosts a large share of the US military presence in Japan. Past crimes involving service personnel have fuelled longstanding concerns among residents, even as the bases remain central to security cooperation between Japan and the United States. The current allegations will be tested through Japan’s legal process.
