An alleged murder of an Okinawa resident by Lance Corporal Devin Jacob Ballard is a “heinous crime,” Sanae Takaichi has said
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has condemned the alleged killing of a woman in Okinawa by a US Marine, calling it a “heinous crime” and demanding tougher discipline and measures to prevent a recurrence. The incident has also reignited public anger and protests over long-time American military presence.
The controversy erupted on Sunday after Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, was arrested on suspicion of strangling Anna Yagi, 39, at a hotel in Naha and stealing her wallet and backpack. Security footage showed the man entering the hotel with Yagi and later leaving alone with what appeared to be her belongings. Ballard has denied the accusations.
Addressing parliament on Monday, Takaichi called the case “extremely regrettable” and a “heinous crime,” urging Washington to fully cooperate with the investigation and prevent similar incidents in the future. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi summoned US Ambassador George Glass, while Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi separately summoned US Forces Japan commander Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost to lodge protests.
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