OKINAWA, Japan (AFP) — Thousands demonstrated against the US military on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa on Sunday, following a string of incidents involving US personnel, including alleged rapes.
Despite pouring rain and harsh wind, crowds took to the streets, raising their fists and shouting slogans in protest over the heavy US military presence on the island.
"We must bring our anger to both the governments of Japan and the United States," Tetsuei Tamayose, one of the organisers, said in an address to the crowd.
The rally was organised by local residents infuriated by the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl by a US Marine last month.
It was one of the largest demonstrations against the US military here since 1995, after three US servicemen gang-raped a 12-year-old, setting off a process to reduce the number of Americans stationed on Okinawa.
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