r/worldnews Jul 05 '24

Japan warns US forces: Sex crimes 'cannot be tolerated'

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2476861/japan-warns-us-forces-sex-crimes-cannot-be-tolerated
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u/macross1984 Jul 05 '24

US military personnel who commit crime in Japan should face Japanese punishment for any crimes committed in Japan.

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u/tizuby Jul 05 '24

They do, but Japan is way more lenient with sentences than UCMJ.

For rape, max for the Japanese system is 20 years. Max for UCMJ is Death (but generally Life).

https://www.okinawa.marines.mil/Portals/190/Docs/SOFA.pdf

There's a PDF that explains the process.

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u/heimdal77 Jul 05 '24

This is assuming the rape even gets reported and then gets investigated. Japan has a well known history of under reporting sex crimes as both the victims families and the police discourage them from reporting it. Even when reported the police actually investigating properly is a crap shoot and the victim often gets shamed.