After being arrested on an international warrant, Watson plans to return home for Christmas, emphasizing the ongoing campaign against whaling.
Paul Watson, Prominent Anti-Whaling Activist, Released After Months in Custody
Paul Watson, Prominent Anti-Whaling Activist, Released After Months in Custody
Watson's release follows Denmark's rejection of Japan's extradition request, ending his five-month detention.
Paul Watson, the renowned anti-whaling activist and founder of the marine conservation group Sea Shepherd, has been released from detention in Greenland after five months. His lawyer confirmed that the Danish officials chose not to honor an extradition request from Japan, where charges against him date back to 2010.
Watson, 74, was taken into custody in July under an international arrest warrant issued by Japan in 2012. The warrant accused him of interfering with a whaling operation and causing injury to one of the crew members on a whaling ship. However, as of this week, Denmark's Ministry of Justice stated that the decision to release Watson was based on the circumstances surrounding the case and the considerable time since the original accusations.
His lawyer, Julie Stage, shared Watson's relief upon his release, indicating that he looks forward to reuniting with his family after enduring a lengthy incarceration. “It has been five long months,” she remarked. In a statement shared on social media, Watson expressed gratitude for not being sent to Japan, adding, “So now I go home for Christmas.”
Watson is best known for his controversial approach to marine conservation, often employing direct action to disrupt activities such as whaling and shark finning. After departing from Greenpeace, he established Sea Shepherd in 1977, which is recognized for its aggressive tactics against illegal hunting practices at sea.
Following his release, Watson reflected on the impact of his arrest, highlighting that it inadvertently drew attention to Japan’s ongoing whaling activities, which he views as illegal. He stated that this time in custody has served as an extension of his long-standing campaign against whaling.
In addition to his activism, Watson gained fame as the star of “Whale Wars,” a documentary series aired on Animal Planet from 2008 to 2015, which documented his crew's efforts to thwart illegal whaling operations. The news of his release has sparked various reactions, including protests supporting his cause globally.
Watson, 74, was taken into custody in July under an international arrest warrant issued by Japan in 2012. The warrant accused him of interfering with a whaling operation and causing injury to one of the crew members on a whaling ship. However, as of this week, Denmark's Ministry of Justice stated that the decision to release Watson was based on the circumstances surrounding the case and the considerable time since the original accusations.
His lawyer, Julie Stage, shared Watson's relief upon his release, indicating that he looks forward to reuniting with his family after enduring a lengthy incarceration. “It has been five long months,” she remarked. In a statement shared on social media, Watson expressed gratitude for not being sent to Japan, adding, “So now I go home for Christmas.”
Watson is best known for his controversial approach to marine conservation, often employing direct action to disrupt activities such as whaling and shark finning. After departing from Greenpeace, he established Sea Shepherd in 1977, which is recognized for its aggressive tactics against illegal hunting practices at sea.
Following his release, Watson reflected on the impact of his arrest, highlighting that it inadvertently drew attention to Japan’s ongoing whaling activities, which he views as illegal. He stated that this time in custody has served as an extension of his long-standing campaign against whaling.
In addition to his activism, Watson gained fame as the star of “Whale Wars,” a documentary series aired on Animal Planet from 2008 to 2015, which documented his crew's efforts to thwart illegal whaling operations. The news of his release has sparked various reactions, including protests supporting his cause globally.
