Anti-Whaling Leader Paul Watson Detained in Greenland, Extradition Looms

Updated: Sunday, July 21, 2024, 23:09 [IST]

Greenland police detained Paul Watson, a well-known environmental activist and anti-whaling campaigner, on Sunday. The arrest was made based on an international warrant issued by Japan. Watson was apprehended when his ship docked in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, according to a police statement.

Paul Watson Detained, Faces Japan Extradition — Representative image

International Arrest Warrant

The police statement mentioned that Watson would be presented before a district court. The court will decide whether to detain him until a decision is made regarding his extradition to Japan. The Captain Paul Watson Foundation reported that police boarded the vessel and took Watson into custody while it was refuelling.

The foundation added that the ship, carrying 25 crew members, was headed to the North West Passage. Their mission was to intercept a new Japanese whaling ship in the North Pacific. "The arrest is believed to be related to a former Red Notice issued for Captain Watson's previous anti-whaling interventions in the Antarctic region," the foundation stated in an email.

Foundation's Plea

Locky MacLean, a director at the foundation, urged the Danish government to release Watson. "We implore the Danish government to release Captain Watson and not entertain this politically-motivated request," MacLean said in the statement. Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark.

Watson holds Canadian-American citizenship and previously led the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His direct action tactics, including confrontations with whaling vessels on high seas, have garnered support from celebrities and were featured in the reality TV series "Whale Wars".

Accusations from Japan

Japan has accused Watson and Sea Shepherd of endangering whalers' lives during their operations in the Antarctic Ocean. Costa Rican authorities have also sought his extradition for similar reasons.

The situation remains tense as Watson awaits his court appearance. The outcome will determine if he will be extradited to Japan or released by Danish authorities.