FUKUSHIMA – Three former members of Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) have pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual indecency against a female subordinate. The accused individuals, Shutaro Shibuya, Akito Sekine, and Yusuke Kimezawa, appeared in the Fukushima District Court to defend themselves against allegations made by Rina Gonoi, a 23-year-old former GSDF member.
The case has attracted significant public attention due to the courage of the victim, who came forward last year to expose the sexual offenses she experienced while serving in the GSDF. This prompted the Defense Ministry to take action by dismissing the accused individuals and intensifying efforts to address harassment issues within the organization.
During the court proceedings, the three former GSDF sergeants vehemently denied the charges against them. They claimed that they did not engage in any indecent acts or use force against Gonoi during an incident that took place at a training facility in Hokkaido in August 2021.
According to the indictment, the accused individuals allegedly used martial arts moves to forcefully position Gonoi on a bed, subsequently pressing their bodies against hers while she was present at a gathering where food and drinks were being consumed.
Gonoi, who served in a unit at Camp Koriyama in Fukushima Prefecture before leaving the GSDF in June last year, testified in court and shared the emotional and lasting impact of the assault. She revealed that the traumatic experience had affected her ability to continue practicing judo, an activity she had previously loved.
This high-profile case has witnessed a series of twists and turns leading up to the trial. Initially, the three defendants were reported to prosecutors by the GSDF’s police unit in January last year, but they were not detained. Subsequently, the charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence.
However, an independent panel of citizens responsible for reviewing prosecutors’ decisions ordered the case to be reopened in September. As a result, the three former GSDF sergeants were indicted without arrest by Fukushima prosecutors in March of this year.
Following her resignation from the GSDF in June 2022, Gonoi embarked on an online campaign using her real name to raise awareness about the harassment she endured. In August, she presented a petition to the Defense Ministry, containing over 100,000 signatures, demanding a thorough investigation into her case.
The Defense Ministry, acknowledging the sexual harassment Gonoi experienced between the fall of 2020 and August 2021, publicly apologized to her. As a consequence of the incident, a total of five GSDF members, including the three defendants currently on trial, faced disciplinary discharges.
In January of this year, Gonoi filed a separate damages suit against the five individuals involved and the state itself. Four of the accused, including the three defendants in the ongoing trial, expressed their intention to contest the lawsuit.
This high-profile sexual offense case has shed light on the prevalence of harassment within the GSDF and has underscored the need for stricter measures to prevent such incidents. As the trial continues, the court will carefully examine the evidence and testimonies presented in order to deliver a just verdict.
Addressing Harassment Issues in the GSDF
In response to the shocking case involving the sexual offenses committed against Rina Gonoi, the GSDF has been prompted to take decisive actions to address harassment within its ranks. The Defense Ministry has recognized the gravity of the issue and has offered a sincere apology to Gonoi for the harassment she endured.
Efforts to tackle harassment within the GSDF have been intensified, with a focus on creating a safe and respectful environment for all members. The Defense Ministry is committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the case, aiming to identify any systemic issues and implement necessary reforms.
Furthermore, the GSDF has strengthened its policies and procedures related to harassment prevention and response. Enhanced training programs, increased awareness campaigns, and clear reporting mechanisms are being implemented to ensure that incidents of harassment are promptly addressed and perpetrators are held accountable.
The case involving Rina Gonoi has served as a wake-up call for the GSDF and has highlighted the urgent need for a culture shift within the organization. It is essential that all members are treated with respect and dignity, and that incidents of harassment are not tolerated under any circumstances.
As the trial of the three former GSDF sergeants continues, the outcome will not only determine their individual accountability but will also have broader implications for the GSDF’s commitment to combatting harassment. The case has sparked a national conversation about the importance of creating safe and inclusive environments within all branches of the military, and it is hoped that meaningful change will result from this unfortunate incident.
The trial of the three ex-SDF members in the high-profile sexual offense case has captured public attention and brought issues of harassment within the GSDF to the forefront. The court will play a crucial role in delivering justice and determining the future direction of the GSDF’s efforts to prevent such incidents.
© KYODO.
