Demonstrators call for release of Thae Ohu. Photo via Facebook
The family of Marine Corporal Thae Ohu is calling for her release from military confinement saying she needs to be treated for mental health issues, reports the Virginian Pilot.
They say Ohu is the victim of a sexual assault five years ago and suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.
Authorities arrested Ohu for assault with a deadly weapons, but her boyfriend who says he is the victim of that alleged crime has joined in the call for her release.
In a statement released through Ohu’s attorney in late July to American Grit, the family said:
“Thae is a proud Marine and courageous survivor of military sexual assault. For five years she has struggled with being a victim of sexual assault. Our family is devastated that the Marine Corps has chosen to place Thae in a military prison instead of giving her the medical treatment she so desperately needs. We are asking the Marine Corps simply to do the right thing: to immediately release Thae from jail, stop the unjust prosecution against her, and provide her with adequate mental health services. What she needs, and deserves, is treatment and support from a loving community of family and friends. We hope that the Marine Corps will honor its promise to protect victims of military sexual assault, like Thae, by standing by her when it matters the most.”
About 25 supporters from the Burmese community rallied Saturday in support of Ohu’s family and joined in demanding her freedom, according to the Journal Gazette.
“The U.S. Marine Corps is behaving as the Burmese army … she has been denied her rights. At this time, she is not allowed to talk to her family, so I can’t hear her voice. I can’t see how she’s doing. I am deeply worried for her safety and mental health,” her father Ahr Yu said.
The Marine Corp says it takes allegations of sexual assault seriously,but told the Virginian Pilot it could not comment on the investigation. It also says Ohu is being seen weekly by mental health therapists.
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Having quotes around “sexual assault victim” implies it did not happen. Ohu reported the crime against her. Her medical records would show she was assaulted. She also reported the crime to the marines. These are facts. Other options for a headline could be: Family Calls for Marines To Release Soldier Who Reported Sexual Assault or: Demonstrators Call for Release of Marine, Sexual Assault Survivor. I know writing headlines for stories like this is not easy, but it is important not to cast doubt on the survivor’s story. Even if someone wants to raise doubts about whether she was assaulted, they cannot say she did not report the assault. That’s a matter of record.