The American-Canadian, who fights against whaling in particular, was arrested as he was going to disrupt the navigation of a whaling factory ship. He is accused of having caused damage and injuries as part of a campaign led by Sea Shepherd. His supporters denounce a political decision.
The Greenlandic court has ruled: the detention of whale defender Paul Watson has been extended by 28 days. The environmental activist is still waiting for the Danish government’s decision on Japan’s extradition request for a case related to his fight for the protection of whales.
Wanted for incidents in 2010
Watson, the founder of Sea Shepherd and the oceans foundation that bears his name, was arrested on July 21 in the capital of the autonomous Danish territory while en route with his ship, the John Paul DeJoria, to intercept a new Japanese whaling factory ship.
Japan is seeking his extradition, having revived a request issued in 2012 via an Interpol red notice. Paul Watson was wanted by Japan for causing damage and injury in two incidents in the Antarctic Ocean in 2010 against a Japanese whaling ship as part of a campaign led by Sea Shepherd.
Japan wanted to prosecute him for “trespassing on the vessel, damaging property, forcibly obstructing business and causing bodily harm,” according to the 2012 Interpol statement.
A political decision?
After his arrest, Paul Watson was brought before a judge who ordered him to be held in custody until a decision is made on his extradition to Japan.
A controversial figure in environmental circles, particularly because of his strong-arm methods, the activist obtained the signatures of 100,000 people on the petition demanding his release. On the political level, Paris asked Copenhagen not to extradite him.
From his cell in Nuuk Prison, a modern grey building set into the side of the rocks, Paul Watson shows his determination to continue his fight.
“If they think that this will stop our opposition! I only changed ships, and my current ship is ‘Prison Nuuk’,” he said in late August. The Japanese “want to use me as an example to show that their whaling is not to be touched.”
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