The Danish government said Tuesday it has rejected Japan’s request to extradite Paul Watson, the founder of the anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd, who is wanted for allegedly obstructing whaling operations.
Watson, who was detained in Greenland in July while en route to intercept a Japanese whaling ship, has since been released from detention by Greenland police, according to Reuters.
“The decision is based on an overall assessment of the case,” the Danish Ministry of Justice said in a statement on its website, citing the nature and age of the offenses in the extradition request.
Anti-whaling activist Paul Watson is sworn in before testifying during a contempt of court hearing in federal court, on Nov. 6, 2013, in Seattle. (AP/Kyodo)
Watson had been wanted by Japan over a 2010 incident in which he is suspected of causing injury and forcibly obstructing its whaling for research purposes as an accomplice.
Local police arrested the 74-year-old after he docked to refuel his boat in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory.
“After five months, it’s good to be out,” Watson said in a video posted Tuesday on The Captain Paul Watson Foundation’s official X account, adding that he was glad to be able to go home for Christmas.
Many Western countries opposed to whaling had voiced opposition to his extradition, with supporters enlisting the support of prominent figures like French President Emmanuel Macron to call for his release.
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Japan seeks extradition of anti-whaling activist held in Greenland
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