Japanese citizens protested outside the US embassy in Tokyo on Wednesday, condemning the suspected murder of a local woman in Okinawa involving a US Marine and opposing an upcoming Japan-US military exercise. Protesters called for the withdrawal of US military bases from Okinawa, where residents have long raised concerns about the impact of hosting American troops.
Okinawa police arrested 20-year-old US Marine Devin Ballard on October 4 on suspicion of killing a woman in Naha and stealing her belongings. The incident prompted Okinawa’s prefectural assembly to demand stronger prevention measures and a review of the Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement. Despite public anger, the Keen Sword 27 joint military exercise is still scheduled to take place from October 19 to 29, with no changes currently planned.
Source: CGTN