U.S. Naval Officer Finally Freed from Japanese Prison, Returns Home
Lt. Ridge Alkonis, a U.S. Navy officer who was imprisoned in Japan for killing two members of a Japanese family in a car crash, has been released and is on his way back to the United States. The release comes after a yearslong diplomatic effort and strained diplomatic ties between the two countries. Alkonis, who served half his sentence for negligent driving, will likely continue serving his sentence in the U.S. under the International Prisoner Transfer Program. The U.S. Parole Commission will determine the length of his incarceration, which could be reduced or served in home confinement. The case has sparked controversy, with Alkonis's family and supporters claiming he suffered from altitude sickness and was denied due process, while in Japan he is seen as a criminal. President Biden was personally involved in discussions leading to Alkonis's release, but officials emphasized that it was determined by the prisoner transfer treaty and U.S. laws.