TOKYO — Dozens of protesters gathered outside the U.S. Embassy on Thursday demanding a review of the Status of Forces Agreement after a U.S. Marine stationed in Okinawa was arrested on murder charges.
The U.S. Marine Corps confirmed the arrest earlier this week. Japanese authorities are investigating an incident in Okinawa Prefecture. Neither U.S. nor Japanese officials have released the Marine's identity.
The demonstration reflects longstanding friction over the 70 percent concentration of U.S. military facilities in Okinawa. Residents have protested noise pollution, crime and land use by the bases for decades. Past incidents involving U.S. service members have repeatedly strained the alliance and prompted calls for troop withdrawals.
The SOFA—which outlines criminal jurisdiction for U.S. personnel in Japan—has become a focal point of contention. Critics argue it privileges U.S. military interests over Japanese legal authority. Protesters today demanded greater Japanese jurisdiction in serious criminal cases involving American service members.
The Chief Cabinet Secretary and Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed serious concern and initiated urgent discussions with U.S. counterparts. The U.S. military said it would fully cooperate with the Japanese investigation.
The Marine remains in Japanese custody. The investigation is expected to proceed under Japanese law.
