Denmark is currently in a state of anticipation as they await Japan’s request for the extradition of veteran anti-whaling activist Paul Watson. The 73-year-old American-Canadian and founder of Sea Shepherd was arrested in Greenland under an international arrest warrant issued by Japan. The Danish justice ministry will decide on his extradition by August 15.
Japan’s government has been pushing for Watson’s arrest for some time, and they have 30 days from the date of arrest to submit an extradition request. French President Emmanuel Macron has already requested that Denmark not extradite Watson, who has been living in France.
The arrest took place as Watson’s ship was refueling in Nuuk, on its way to intercept Japan’s new whaling factory vessel in the North Pacific. Watson was arrested based on a 2012 Interpol Red Notice for alleged damage to a Japanese whaling ship in the Antarctic.
Supporters, including Brigitte Bardot, have called for Watson’s release as Japan, Norway, and Iceland remain the last three countries engaging in commercial whale hunting.
© 2024 AFP