Okinawa Assembly Demands Pact Review After Marine Accused of Murder

Lawmakers passed the measure with a 45-2 vote, signaling a sharp escalation in local frustration regarding the legal protections afforded to American service members under the 1960 agreement. Critics argue the pact often places U.S. personnel beyond the reach of Japanese law. Ryotaro Odo, who leads the assembly’s committee on military bases, stated that the organization is no longer capable of maintaining necessary discipline, citing a recent string of misconduct cases.

Okinawa police arrested Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballard on Sunday for the death of 39-year-old Anna Yagi, who died from neck compression. Ballard, who also faces theft charges, has denied all allegations. The incident prompted Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to condemn the act as a heinous crime, while the assembly prepares to deliver their formal protest to the U.S. embassy.