U.S. Navy Lieutenant Ridge Alkonis, who had been detained in Japan for two years following a fatal car accident near Mount Fuji, has been released after 537 days in custody. The U.S. Parole Commission ordered his immediate release with no supervision, and he has now been reunited with his dedicated wife and loving children. Alkonis had been transferred from Japan to the United States about a month prior to his release. His case had created tensions between the U.S. and Japan. Officials, including Representative LaLota, have expressed gratitude for his release and welcomed him home. The Alkonis family and supporters have shared their relief and joy at his return.
Lt. Ridge Alkonis, a U.S. Navy officer, was released from prison on Friday, about a month after he was transferred to the U.S. following his conviction in Japan for causing a deadly traffic crash, a case that strained relations between the two countries. https://t.co/x0cFNBRYyJ
Finally! Welcome home, Lt. Alkonis! https://t.co/kfrU6E2GEu
Thank you for your continuous hard work advocating for Lt. Alkonis' release @RepLaLota... welcome home Lieutenant! https://t.co/ipDgxccyg3
While the release of LT Ridge Alkonis is long overdue, I am thankful the Commission came to the right decision today. I'm thrilled that he has been finally reunited with his dedicated wife & loving children, who have been without him for far too long. https://t.co/EX1TH4hcsD https://t.co/Yxna2vlBHh
Fantastic news: Lt. Alkonis is coming home. https://t.co/2TuXQkTCBv
BREAKING: U.S. Navy Lt. Ridge Alkonis, imprisoned in Japan for two years after a deadly car accident near Mt. Fuji, recently relocated to prison stateside, has been released and has reunited with his family. #BringRidgeHome no more. #RidgeIsHome https://t.co/VKKBdOfH7y
One month after he was transferred from Japan to US custody, and after more than 500 days behind bars, Lt. Ridge Alkonis is now home, his family says. https://t.co/n1AcPiTa7c
Statement by the Alkonis Family: “This morning, after 537 days of unnecessary detention, the U.S. Parole Commission ordered Lt. Ridge Alkonis’ immediate release. He is now back home with his family, where he belongs. We will have more to say in time, but for now, we are focused… https://t.co/xq50Tmr4Rv
🚨🚨Ridge is FREE🚨🚨 The Alkonis family is finally reunited! The U.S. Parole Commission ordered Ridge’s immediate release this morning. Thank you to everyone who helped us to @BringRidgeHome! https://t.co/CwmaYCl4hs
GREAT AND BREAKING NEWS! This morning the US parole commission ordered the full parole and immediate release with no supervision of Navy Lt Ridge Alknois Here’s a picture of the Alkonis family, reunited!!! https://t.co/mwaLOVlf12