Woman accused of groping airport security staff wins online support

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Yukari Mihamae, a 61-year-old American woman, was arrested last week after she allegedly squeezed the breasts of of an airport security officer at Phonenix's Sky Harbour Airport.

Fed up with being subjected to airport searches, which include a pat-down of the groin, breasts and buttocks, Ms Mihamae refused to go through passenger screening, before reportedly groping the Transport Security Administration (TSA) officer with both hands.

Now thousands of Facebook users have given her their support, and the community page, Acquit Yukari Mihamae, has attracted more than 2,000 members who have described her as "courageous" and "a freedom fighter".

The TSA has been criticised in recent months for its invasive screening techniques, including use of the controversial full body scanners.

Ms Mihamae was released on Friday and no charges have yet been filed.

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