A US Marine stationed in Okinawa has been sentenced to seven years in prison by the Naha District Court for sexually assaulting a woman in her 20s. The court found 22-year-old Lance Corporal Jamel Clayton guilty of attacking the victim from behind and attempting to assault her.
Clayton denied the charges, claiming inconsistencies in the victim’s account. However, the court upheld her testimony as credible and consistent, according to Kyodo News.
This incident adds to long-standing tensions in Okinawa, where over half of the 54,000 US troops in Japan are stationed. The region has witnessed repeated protests over crimes committed by American servicemen, with the most significant occurring 30 years ago following the rape of a 12-year-old girl.
The sentencing highlights ongoing concerns about accountability and the impact of foreign military presence in local communities.
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