TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s defense minister said today that he was deeply concerned by allegations that two American military servicemen had raped a woman on the island of Okinawa and suggested that the U.S. take more measures to prevent such attacks.
“This is a very serious crime,” Defense Minister Satoshi Morimoto told reporters. Morimoto said the case follows another sexual assault in August, and he indicated he was considering discussing the matter with U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta.
Okinawan police arrested the two U.S. sailors on Tuesday. They were identified as Seaman Christopher Browning and Petty Officer 3rd Class Skyler Dozierwalker of the Fort Worth Naval Air Base in Texas.
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