Ex-soldier who was sexually assaulted by colleagues sues Japan, government
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.
Rina Gonoi went public about the assaults she was subject to last year after an investigation was dropped on the grounds of insufficient evidence.
The military acknowledged the assaults and harassment that occurred in 2021, but only after public pressure from Gonoi, including a petition signed by more than 100,000 people demanding an investigation.
In December, five Japanese soldiers were dismissed over the case, but Gonoi said on Monday that the apologies she received were superficial and lawyers for the assailants continued to trivialise the incidents in discussions over a settlement.
She told reporters that they didn't want to choose the option of fighting, but I haven't received a message that reassures me that they really regret what they did.
She said that it is necessary to open things up to the public, because of the differences between their side and me, because I think it's necessary to open things up to the public through the lawsuit.
Gonoi is seeking 7.5 million US $58,000 - 5.5 million from her attackers for mental distress and 2 million from the government for failing to prevent the assaults and properly investigate them.
Her case is 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 investigation and found that Gonoi routinely faced sexual harassment and assault at her unit and during training sessions.
While Japan is ranked high in education and healthcare for women, its male-dominated society has lagged behind its peers in placing women in boardrooms and high public office.
4 per cent of rape victims report the crime to the police, according to government data.