Paul Watson Arrested in Greenland: Sea Shepherd Founder Detained on Interpol Warrant
Paul Watson Held Without Bail in Greenland on Japan’s Extradition Request
Greenland police have arrested Paul Watson founder of the activist group Sea Shepherd in connection with an Interpol “Red” warrant filed by the Japanese government, according to the published article of The Maritime Executive. Watson whose vessel John Paul DeJoria docked in Nuuk Greenland for refueling was apprehended by Denmark’s federal police upon arrival. The warrant relates to Watson’s past activities with Sea Shepherd in 2010 when the group obstructed Japanese whaling operations in the Southern Ocean. The arrest took place as Watson’s crew prepared to navigate the Northwest Passage en route to intercept the new Japanese whaling ship Kangei Maru. The foundation alleges that Japan kept the notice confidential to facilitate Watson’s arrest. The Danish federal police have confirmed that Watson 73 was detained due to Japan’s request for his extradition. The charges cited in the Red Notice include “Breaking into the Vessel, Damage to Property, Forcible Obstruction of Business and Injury.” These charges stem from a 2010 incident where Sea Shepherd disrupted Japanese whaling operations.
Sea Shepherd’s Paul Watson Arrested: Charges Relate to 2010 Whaling Obstruction
Watson’s foundation believed the notice had been withdrawn but it appears otherwise. Denmark’s Ministry of Justice will decide whether there are grounds to grant Japan’s extradition request and until that decision is made Watson is being held without bail. The court in Nuuk noted his previous arrest in Germany in 2012 where he fled house arrest deeming him a flight risk. Locky MacLean Ship Operations Director for the Capt. Paul Watson Foundation has urged the Danish government to release Watson describing the extradition request as politically motivated. The foundation emphasizes Watson’s commitment to marine conservation and contends that his arrest is a tactic to hinder their ongoing efforts against whaling. Watson’s detention has sparked concern among conservationists and supporters who see it as a significant setback in the fight against illegal whaling and shark-finning activities.
READ ALSO: Shocking Tragedy: Father Kills Wife and Four Young Children in Bibb County Massacre