Placed in pre-trial detention in Greenland since July 21, still awaiting a decision from the Danish courts concerning the request for his extradition to Japan for a case dating back to 2010 and which he contests, the environmental activist from 73 years old seeks political asylum in France, where he has resided since 2015.
It was through Lamya Essemlali, president of Sea Shepherd France, and her lawyers, that Paul Watson announced that he was requesting political asylum from France on Wednesday October 16. A request addressed to the President of the Republic Emmanuel Macron in a letter, certain extracts of which were published on social networks.
Questioned by Sud Radio on Thursday October 17, government spokesperson Maud Bregeon indicated that the question “has not been resolved today”.
Paul Watson was arrested on July 21 during a stopover in Nuuk (Greenland) to refuel his ship, with which he planned to intercept the Kangei Maru (113 meters long, 9,300 tons), the Japan’s new whaling factory ship in the North Pacific. Japan filed a request for the activist’s extradition to the Danish Justice Ministry ten days after his arrest, reactivating an arrest warrant issued in 2010, which accused him of being co-responsible for damages and injuries inflicted during a campaign targeting a Japanese whaling ship.
Accusations rejected by the founder of Sea Shepherd and the foundation that bears his name, who continues to request his release from the Greenlandic justice system. At the beginning of October, she decided to continue her detention until October 23.
© An article from the editorial staff of Mer et Marine. Reproduction prohibited without consent of the author(s).
France
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