Denmark Rejects Japan’s Request To Extradite Renowned Anti-Whaling Activist Paul Watson

Paul Watson, the well-known anti-whaling activist, has been released from custody in Greenland after Denmark rejected Japan’s request for his extradition.

Watson was arrested on July 21, 2024, in Nuuk, Greenland, after an international warrant issued by Japan. Japan wanted Watson extradited for his involvement in a 2010 incident with a Japanese whaling vessel.

Japan accused Watson of conspiracy to trespass, damaging property, and assaulting a crew member. They claimed that these actions could lead to a 15-year prison sentence in Japan.

However, the Danish Minister of Justice, Peter Hummelgaard, announced that Denmark would not send Watson to Japan. The reason for this decision was that Japan had not provided enough assurance that Watson’s time in custody in Greenland would be counted toward his potential sentence.

The charges against Watson are linked to an incident in 2010 when his Sea Shepherd Conservation Society crew allegedly threw stink bombs at a Japanese whaling ship in the Antarctic. Watson denies these claims and says that no explosives were used. He says that the accusations are false.

Watson is a Canadian-American activist who founded Sea Shepherd, an organisation dedicated to stopping whaling. He has been a vocal opponent of Japan’s whaling activities, which he believes are illegal.

Japan has been trying to extradite Watson for years, accusing him of illegal actions to disrupt its whaling operations. After Denmark’s decision, Japan expressed disappointment.

Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, stated that Watson is still wanted internationally and that his actions were criminal, not related to his anti-whaling activism.

Despite the rejection, Watson remains the subject of an active Interpol red notice, meaning he could still be arrested in countries that recognise such notices.

After his release, Watson expressed relief, especially since he will be able to spend the upcoming holiday season with his children. He said, “It’s good to be out and to know I won’t be sent to Japan.” Watson also thanked his supporters, especially from France, and said he would continue his activism despite the challenges he faced.

Watson is committed to continuing his fight against whaling and announced that Sea Shepherd is planning new campaigns for 2025. He said that these campaigns will focus on Japan and Iceland’s whaling operations, which he calls illegal.

Watson believes that his time in custody has only made his mission more urgent. “We are going to keep up the pressure on whaling nations,” Watson said.

Denmark’s decision to deny Japan’s extradition request has raised important questions about international law. Greenland, where Watson was arrested, is an autonomous part of Denmark.

Denmark’s Ministry of Justice explained that while the legal requirements for extradition were met, Japan did not provide sufficient guarantees regarding Watson’s detention time, influencing their decision.

Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, argued that the charges were politically motivated, with no solid legal basis for extradition.

Reference: Aljazeera, NYTimes

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