Prosecutors in the Philippines have charged a US marine with murder in connection with the death of a Filipina transgender woman.
Pte First Class Joseph Pemberton is suspected of killing Jennifer Laude, who was found dead in a hotel bathroom in the port city of Olongapo.
Pte Pemberton cannot be granted bail and could be facing 40 years in jail.
The case has sparked anti-American sentiment in the Philippines, a close political and military ally of the US.
State prosecutor Emily de los Santos said there was "probable cause" that Pte Pemberton killed 26-year-old Jennifer Laude, formerly known as Jeffrey.
In this Friday, Oct. 24, 2014, a protester holds a lit candle in front of a portrait of slain Filipino transgender Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude during a rally at the University of the Philippines campus at suburban Quezon city, northeast of Manila, Jennifer was previously known as Jeffrey
Anti-riot policemen block members of the Gabriela Women's Party in Olongapo, Philippines, on 21 October 2014 Pte Pemberton was moved from a US ship to a Philippines military facility but is still in American custody
"It's murder,'" said Ms de los Santos to reporters after filing the charge against Pte Pemberton. "It was aggravated by treachery, abuse of superior strength and cruelty."
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-30474692
