Life term upheld for ex-U.S. base worker over murder of Okinawan woman

In July this year, the Japanese and U.S. governments paid condolence money to the family of the woman in place of Shinzato, who said he lacked the means to pay, after the family sought compensation from the U.S. government in March under the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement.

Good! They should have and they did the right thing! I just hope it's enough for his ex-wife and daughter to start a new life!

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Yubaru

I'm also glad the USG decided to pay, but people need to understand that it was done not because the SOFA mandated it in any way but because a few in-country diplomats and key members of the military in Japan insisted we do it. They argued that it was simply the right thing to do and were able to convince the lawyers and DOD senior leadership. I've talked about this with one of the diplomats who were instrumental in making this happen and according to him it was no easy task getting the USG to pay restitution when it was not legally bound to and at the risk of setting a unfavorable precedent.

why not execute him.. I dont want my taxes to feed this animal

US should pay dearly for every single crime related or occuring due to their presence in japan, any at all.

why not execute him.. I dont want my taxes to feed this animal

Japanese courts rarely if ever, hand down the death penalty when there is only one murder involved.

US should pay dearly for every single crime related or occuring due to their presence in japan, any at all.

Take this step, and you also have to have the Japanese pay dearly for every single crime committed by their citizens when they travel overseas!

Japanese dont illegally occupy US ... besides, why not ... ?

Dear God man, read a history book. Or two.

Alex, the US occupation of Okinawa or indeed any place of their choosing is completely legal. They have had the right to occupy Okinawa since the wars end and will continue to do so for as long as the world sees fit

Had the right ? after nuking Japan?

The United States has said the payment was made on a "voluntary and humanitarian" basis because the man was not an employee of the U.S. armed forces as defined by the agreement, according to the Japanese Defense Ministry.

Shinzato was a civilian working for an internet company on the U.S. Kadena Air Base in Okinawa Prefecture at the time of the crime.....

Kenneth Franklin Shinzato committed a heinous crime, was caught, tried, and convicted. Kenneth Franklin Shinzato's being a former U.S. military base worker has nothing to do with his criminal action.