Okinawa Governor Criticizes US Military After Marine Arrest
“The fact that such an atrocious crime has again taken place leads us to conclude that US military efforts regarding discipline and human rights education are completely ineffective,” Gov. Genta Koja said, according to reports.
Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, who is stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, is suspected of killing Anna Yagi, 39, at a hotel in the Wakasa district of Naha early Saturday.
Police said Yagi died from asphyxiation after Ballard allegedly applied pressure to her neck. Ballard has rejected the allegations, while authorities sent the case to prosecutors on Monday.
The incident prompted residents to organize an emergency rally in Okinawa City on Sunday evening. Demonstrators held a moment of silence in memory of Yagi and voiced criticism over what they described as repeated US military commitments to improving discipline.
Koja later met with Lt. Gen. Benjamin Watson, commander of III Marine Expeditionary Force, and US Consul General Andrew Ou. During the meeting, he called for stronger disciplinary measures, steps to prevent similar incidents and a review of the US-Japan Status of Forces Agreement.
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