Rape case ignites new anti-US sentiments

Japan protested a new string of alleged crimes by US troops and criticized American military discipline yesterday, as indignation mounted over the arrest last week of a Marine on suspicion of raping a 14-year-old girl.

Vice-Foreign Minister Mitoji Yabunaka called US Ambassador Thomas Schieffer to complain about the latest incidents, which in addition to the alleged rape included allegations of drunken driving, trespassing and theft by American servicemen, the ministry said.

"We had to protest strongly because it was just ridiculous that these alleged crimes were committed just as we were discussing the very problem," ministry official Ryo Fukabori said.