Paul Watson, Whale Defender, Freed by Denmark After Refusal to Extradite Him to Japan

Environmental activist Paul Watson, globally known for his defense of whales, was released by Denmark this Tuesday (17). After nearly five months in provisional detention, Danish authorities decided not to comply with Japan’s extradition request, which sought to prosecute him for a 2010 incident involving a whaling ship.

Watson, 74, holds both American and Canadian citizenship and is the founder of the Sea Shepherd organization and the Captain Paul Watson Foundation (CPWF). Following his release, he stated in a video conference:
“My arrest has brought international attention to Japan’s ongoing illegal whaling operations.”

The Case

Watson was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, an autonomous territory under Danish administration. The arrest was based on a red notice issued by Interpol in 2012, recently reactivated by Japanese authorities. Japan accuses Watson of being involved in property damage and injuries during a Sea Shepherd operation targeting a Japanese whaling ship in 2010.

According to Watson, the real reason behind his arrest is his activism:
“They accuse me of something minor, but my real crime was exposing their illegal operations.”
He was detained while sailing aboard his vessel, the John Paul DeJoria, on a mission to intercept another Japanese whaling ship.

Denmark’s Decision

Denmark justified its refusal to extradite Watson by citing the length of his detention and the additional time the extradition process would require. The decision was confirmed in a document reviewed by AFP.

One of Watson’s lawyers, François Zimeray, commented on the outcome:
“Japan attempted to silence a man whose only crime was exposing the illegality of their industrial slaughter disguised as scientific research.”

Next Steps

Now free, Watson plans to continue his work in defending marine life and the environment:
“He can now resume his fight for the preservation of nature, which is also a battle for humanity and justice,” Zimeray concluded.

Watson’s release symbolizes a victory for environmental advocates and highlights the urgent need to address whaling practices conducted under the guise of scientific research.

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