North Koreans weigh in on alleged rape,
say victim's rights are disregarded
By Jim Lea, Osan bureau chief
North Korea blasted the United States on Thursday for being more concerned about a U.S.
Air Force staff sergeant accused of rape on Okinawa than they are about the alleged
victim.
"In utter disregard of the rights of the victim," Rodong Shinmun said in an
editorial, "the U.S. side dragged on the case for several days under an absurd
pretext" before handing over the alleged assailant to Japanese authorities.
Staff Sgt. Timothy B. Woodland, assigned to Kadena Air Base, has been indicted on rape
charges.
Before turning him over to Japanese custody, military officials secured assurances from
Japanese officials that Woodland could be accompanied by an attorney during questioning
and that he would have access to a qualified interpreter.
When the United States did finally turn him over, U.S. officials "did so as if it
was a sort of ‘favor’ (and) raised ‘special protection of his rights’
as a pre-condition," the editorial said.
"This is clear proof that the U.S. is treating Japan as its colony or a
protectorate where it can exercise extraterritorial rights."
Rodong Shinmun is the official newspaper of Pyongyang’s ruling Worker’s
Party.
The editorial was carried by the state-operated Korean Central News Agency and was
monitored Thursday in Seoul.
If convicted, Woodland will serve his sentence in a Japanese prison.
"A human rights violation by a foreign army means an infringement upon the
sovereignty of that country," the editorial said.
"Such serious infringement on Japan’s sovereignty is attributable to its
government’s servile U.S.-toeing policy.
"Given such stand and attitude of the Japanese government toward the U.S.,
increasing crimes of GIs in Japan are unavoidable and it is impossible to prevent the
sovereignty, human rights and life and property of the people from being infringed
upon," the newspaper said.
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