US soldier charged with kidnapping, raping Japanese schoolgirl

Okinawa [Japan], June 28: Okinawa police have confirmed that Japanese prosecutors have indicted a US Air Force soldier for kidnapping and raping a Japanese schoolgirl just before Christmas 2023.
Soldier Brennon RE Washington (25 years old), was indicted on March 27 on charges of "non-consensual sex" and kidnapping, CNN on June 27 quoted a court spokesman in Naha (Okinawa). This soldier was handed over to Japanese authorities on the same day.
The soldier was later released on bail and transferred to the US Kadena Air Base in Okinawa for temporary detention, ahead of a trial scheduled for July 12.
A spokesman for the Naha District Court said they had no details about the soldier's legal representation. The prosecution comes at a time when the US and Japan are strengthening their military alliance.
The case is one of several recent criminal cases involving US troops in Okinawa, one of the largest US military bases overseas, and could heighten tensions with residents who have long opposed the presence of US troops and weapons on the island.
Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki said the rape and kidnapping allegations were "extremely regrettable", adding that the US military and other related organizations needed to be "strongly protested".
Washington soldiers belong to the 18th Airlift Wing based at Kadena Air Base in Japan, according to the US Air Force. Spokesman Alvin Nelson said the air group was aware of the allegation.
"We understand and share the local community's concerns about this case," the spokesman said, adding that wing leaders were "deeply concerned about the seriousness of the alleged crime." ", and is cooperating with the investigation agency.
"All U.S. service members must maintain the highest standards and the U.S. military is committed to holding accountable those convicted of criminal conduct," said spokesman Nelson.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper