Japanese ex-soldier to sue government over sexual assault
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Former Japanese soldier Rina Gonoi went public last year about the assaults she was subjected to.
PHOTO: AFP
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TOKYO - A Japanese former soldier who was sexually assaulted by her colleagues said on Monday she is suing the government and the perpetrators over the “superficial” apologies and mistreatment she received.
Last year, Ms Rina Gonoi went public about the assaults she was subjected to,
The military subsequently acknowledged the assaults and harassment
Last December, five Japanese soldiers were dismissed over the case,
“I didn’t want to choose the option of fighting, but I have not received a message that reassures me they really regret what they did,” she told reporters.
“Given the differences over the issue between their side and me, I think it’s necessary to open things up (to the public through the lawsuit), which I think will help prevent a repeat,” she added.
Ms Gonoi is seeking a total of 7.5 million yen (S$76,000) – 5.5 million from her attackers for mental distress, and two million from the government for failing to prevent the assaults and properly investigate them.
Her case is also being re-investigated by prosecutors who are weighing possible criminal charges after she lodged a complaint about the failure to indict the men involved, her lawyers said on Monday.
The army acknowledged its probe found that Ms Gonoi routinely faced sexual harassment and assault at her unit and during training sessions.
While Japan may rank high on education and healthcare for women, its male-dominated society has long lagged behind industrial peers in placing women in boardrooms and in high public office.
Government data shows just 4 per cent of rape victims report the crime to police. AFP
