Protesters in Okinawa, Japan shout a slogan during a March 23 rally against an alleged rape in February of a 14-year-old girl by a U.S. Marine.Thousands protest near Marine base in OkinawaBy Eric Talmadge - The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Mar 23, 2008 11:21:14 EDT
CHATAN, Japan — Several thousand Okinawans angry over recent reports of crimes allegedly committed by U.S. troops held a loud but peaceful protest Sunday, with many demanding the troops be withdrawn from the island altogether.
The protest was followed by a march to the gate of a nearby U.S. Marine base. No incidents or arrests were reported.
The demonstration was sparked by recent reports of U.S. troop-related crime, including the arrest of a Marine for allegedly assaulting a 14-year-old Okinawan girl in February. The Marine was later released from Japanese custody and no charges were filed.
“The voice of Okinawa is angry,” said protest organizer Tetsuei Tamayose. “We need a fundamental change.”
Banners demanding the complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from Okinawa ringed the makeshift stage of the protest, held outside a baseball stadium.
Rest of article at:
http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2008/03/ap_okinawaprotest_032308/