Okinawa governor calls for review of US forces pact after murder
TOKYO: The governor of Okinawa said Monday he would request a review of a pact seen as giving the US military preferential treatment in Japan, following a murder allegedly committed by an American Marine.
Okinawa's governor, Genta Koja, announced on Monday that he would seek a review of the US-Japan military agreement, known as the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), in light of a murder allegedly committed by an American Marine. The case, which involves the alleged killing of a 39-year-old Japanese woman at an Okinawa hotel, has sparked outrage and reignited controversy surrounding the US military's presence on the island.
Koja, who is the first Okinawa governor in 12 years to endorse a relocation plan for the US Marine Corps Futenma air base, stated that he would push for the prompt return of land used for other US bases in Okinawa's commercial center. This move, according to Koja, would help boost the local economy. He called for a "fundamental review" of the SOFA, emphasizing the need for compliance with Japanese laws and prompt transfer of suspects in detention to Japan before indictment.
Crimes committed by US military personnel have long been a source of tension between Japan and the United States. In response to the recent murder, the US has agreed to extend a 30-day curfew imposed after the incident to a portion of their service members through December 7.
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