The publication is reproduced in full below:
LT. RIDGE ALKONIS
______
HON. MIKE LEVIN
of california
in the house of representatives
Monday, July 18, 2022
Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express deep concern about the Japanese government's handling of the case of Lt. Ridge Alkonis, a U.S. Navy officer stationed at Yokosuka Naval Base.
Last Wednesday, the Tokyo High Court denied Lt. Alkonis' appeal to suspend a three-year prison sentence. I am deeply troubled with the treatment of Lt. Alkonis throughout the case.
Lt. Alkonis has served three tours of duty in Japan. Before he was in the Navy, he volunteered in Japan for two years. He has a deep appreciation for the country and its people.
In May 2021, Lt. Alkonis and his family were on their way home from hiking on Mount Fuji. Tragically, Lt. Alkonis lost control of his vehicle. We would later learn from a U.S. Navy physician that the unfortunate event was due to Acute Mountain Sickness causing Lt. Alkonis to lose consciousness, impacting his ability to drive. However, as a result, two bystanders heartbreakingly had their lives taken.
Lt. Alkonis is remorseful for the medical incident that caused the events of that day. He has offered $1.65 million in extrajudicial restitution to the victims' families, a gesture expected in Japan. This is beyond the family's means, but those who care about them have rallied together to make it possible.
I've been extremely upset to learn that the case was not conducted in a way that was fair to Lt. Alkonis.
The treatment of our servicemembers in Japan is governed by the Status of Forces Agreement between our government and the Japanese government. This agreement requires our servicemembers to be released to the U.S. military during trial unless they are a flight risk. Lt. Alkonis clearly was not. Instead of being released as he was supposed to be, he was held for the maximum time period allowed, 26 days, over the objections of our government.
During those 26 days, Lt. Alkonis was not treated properly, and Japanese investigators' actions had an impact on the outcome of the trial. According to Lt. Alkonis's family, he was kept under bright lights in his cell for the purpose of sleep deprivation, withheld adequate translation services, and denied a lawyer during key questioning. Critically, the Japanese police refused Lt. Alkonis medical care and a timely medical evaluation. By refusing to conduct this test, investigators ensured they would not have evidence that would explain Lt. Alkonis's sudden loss of consciousness.
I understand that our Embassy in Tokyo has been monitoring this case. I strongly urge them to do more to support a servicemember in need.
My office has been working with the Department of the Navy and the Office of the Secretary of Defense to support Lt. Alkonis and his parents, Suzanne and Derek, throughout his case. We supported Lt. Alkonis's case with the Department of Defense and also helped his family get visas so they could be with him in Japan for the trial. As I do, the Navy believes that this is the wrong sentence for Lt. Alkonis. I will not be giving up on Lt. Alkonis and the Department of Defense must not either.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 118(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 118(2)
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