Prefectural Assembly adopts resolution of protest against discriminatory remarks by riot police

Prefectural Assembly adopts resolution of protest against discriminatory remarks by riot police

On October 28 the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly passes a protest resolution by majority vote in objection to a riot police officer using the term “aborigines” and other such occurrences.


October 28, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

In the morning on October 28 the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly opened an extraordinary session in response to the riot police at the protest sites for helipad construction in the Northern Training Area using terms such as dojin (aborigines) and shinajin (Sina people, or Chinese persons) to refer to Okinawan protestors. The Assembly conducted votes on a resolution and statement of protest, and these were adopted by majority vote both within the ruling party and within the neutral factions. The LDP of Okinawa stated its opposition to the resolution and statement by suggesting that the protestors on site should exercise self-restraint in terms of their remarks, as well. On October 29 the Prefectural Assembly delivered the resolution and statement to the Okinawa Prefectural Public Safety Commission and the Prefectural Police Department.

The resolution of protest contained the following points: (1.) These remarks crush Okinawans’ pride and dignity underfoot, causing deep wounds that prove difficult to heal. And (2.) police officials need to come to terms with the reality that distrust is spreading and drawing much criticism from both within and outside of Okinawa, due to riot police officers who should be standing at the head of observing the law and protecting citizens’ human rights instead making such remarks.

(English translation by T&CT and Erin Jones)　

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