U.S. seeks resolution for naval officer jailed in Japan -State Dept
By Simon Lewis
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. officers have been in contact with their Japanese counterparts to hunt a decision within the case of U.S. naval officer Ridge Alkonis, who’s serving a three-year jail time period in Japan over a lethal automotive crash, State Division spokesperson Ned Value stated on Tuesday.
Alkonis, 34, started serving his sentence in late July after being convicted of inflicting the deaths of two Japanese residents within the Could 2021 incident, which passed off throughout a household outing whereas the U.S. Navy lieutenant was serving in Japan, in line with media stories.
“This was a tragic occasion that resulted within the lack of two valuable lives. It is brought about large heartache for all concerned,” Value stated when requested throughout a daily press briefing about Washington’s communications with Japan on the case.
He stated U.S. officers in Washington and Tokyo, together with ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel, had been in contact with Japanese officers, in addition to with Alkonis’ household.
“We’re persevering with to watch the state of affairs with the Division of Protection and our embassy in Tokyo to discover all choices for locating a profitable decision that’s in step with U.S. regulation, with Japanese regulation, in addition to with present treaties,” Value stated.
His household says Alkonis misplaced consciousness with out warning whereas driving. In line with U.S. media stories, the household’s automotive then drifted out of its lane and crashed into parked vehicles at a restaurant, killing a girl and her son-in-law. Alkonis was detained and imprisoned for 26 days in solitary confinement.
Alkonis’ household in on-line appeals has argued that the officer, who has expressed regret and tried to assist the victims’ household, was convicted based mostly on a “false narrative” that he knowingly drove whereas fatigued.
The U.S. authorities has not stated publicly Alkonis is wrongfully detained, a dedication that’s typically made when Individuals are jailed abroad.
(Reporting by Simon Lewis; further reporting by Daphne Psaledakis; Enhancing by Sandra Maler)
