Landmark Conviction: Japanese Ex-Soldiers Guilty in Sexual Assault Case

Three former soldiers in Japan have been found guilty of sexually assaulting a female colleague, marking a victory for the victim in a society where speaking out against sexual violence remains largely taboo. The case of Rina Gonoi, a former member of Japan's Self Defence Forces, drew international attention and highlighted the challenges faced by victims in a traditional, male-dominated society. The defendants, who denied the charges, received a two-year suspended sentence each. Gonoi's decision to go public with her accusations led to an apology from Japan's defense ministry and a wider investigation into sexual assault in the military.