Tight restrictions put on Okinawa Marines

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Tight restrictions put on Okinawa Marines
By Joseph Coleman - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Feb 20, 2008 16:09:20 EST

TOKYO — The military imposed tight restrictions on all servicemen in Okinawa on Wednesday, limiting troops to bases, places of work or off-base housing amid a furor over the arrest of a Marine on suspicion of rape.

The restrictions, which go beyond a midnight curfew already in place for enlisted Marines on the southern Japanese island, started early Wednesday and were indefinite, U.S. Forces Japan officials said.

The order, which also included all the 18,000 Marines based in Japan, was issued as a string of crimes blamed on American servicemen — rape, drunk driving and other allegations — has stoked antimilitary sentiment.

“This period of reflection will allow commanders and all service members an opportunity to further review procedures and orders that govern the discipline and conduct of all U.S. service members serving in Okinawa,” a U.S. military statement read.

Most damaging to the U.S. military’s image in Japan was the arrest last week of 38-year-old Staff Sgt. Tyrone Luther Hadnott in the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl in Okinawa. The arrest sparked outrage in Japan, which hosts some 50,000 U.S. troops under a security treaty.


Rest of article at: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2008/02/ap_japan_update_080219/