Amata’s House floor speech supports sailor imprisoned in Japan

Washington, D.C. — Uifa’atali Amata in a Wednesday speech on the floor of the United States House of Representatives supported Navy Lieutenant Ridge Alkonis, and filed a longer Statement for the Congressional Record.

In her speech to the House she said the case of US Navy Lieutenant Ridge Alkonis, who is of Samoan descent, exemplifies the disparate treatment American sailors receive in Japan.

“Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of US Navy Lieutenant Ridge Alkonis, a sailor currently stationed abroad in Japan.

“While the US and Japanese naval forces have long maintained a strong bond, the relationship is deteriorating as a result of Japanese injustices against US military members. The case of US Navy Lieutenant Ridge Alkonis, who is of Samoan descent, exemplifies the disparate treatment American sailors receive in Japan.

“While driving his wife and three children to get ice cream during a family outing, LT Alkonis suffered a sudden and unforeseen medical emergency, which resulted in a tragic car accident, causing the death of two Japanese citizens. While indeed a tragedy, this was an accident in every sense of the word.

“At the scene of the accident, LT Alkonis was immediately arrested by Japanese authorities without receiving any medical care and imprisoned. He was systematically deprived of sleep, denied legal counsel, and pressured to sign false accusations. The Tokyo High Court rejected the majority of evidence submitted by LT Alkonis, and last week, his appeal was dismissed.

“I’m deeply troubled by Japan’s mistreatment of LT Alkonis. These abuses are hurting the US-Japan alliance exactly when it needs to be strengthened. I call on President Biden and Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, to bring LT Alkonis home.”