Okinawa legislators protest crimes involving US military suspects, demand tougher regulations
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Leaders on the Japan island of Okinawa are protesting recent crimes involving U.S. military suspects and demanding tougher regulations, along with stepped-up efforts to reduce the number of troops and bases there.
The Okinawa prefectural (state) assembly unanimously passed a resolution Friday protesting an alleged rape by two Navy sailors last month and an assault on a teenage boy this month, allegedly by a U.S. airman.
The incidents have reignited deep-rooted anger on the island, which hosts more than half the 52,000 U.S. troops stationed in Japan. All U.S. troops were put under a curfew after the rape was reported, but the assault occurred two weeks later.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The resolution also called for a review of legal procedures for military suspects and efforts to streamline the U.S. troop presence.