Okinawa Rape Case Highlights Persistent US Military Misconduct
Austin Wedington, a 27-year-old U.S. Marine, was indicted in Okinawa for allegedly raping and assaulting two women on a U.S. military base. Handed over to Japanese authorities under the Status of Forces Agreement, Wedington’s alleged actions involved choking one woman and assaulting her before injuring another who intervened. This indictment follows multiple similar cases in Okinawa, prompting Governor Denny Tamaki to demand stronger preventative measures from U.S. forces. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about the conduct of U.S. service members in Okinawa and precedes a planned forum to improve community relations.
John Q. Hosedrinker