Despite being detained in a Greenland prison, anti-whaling activist Paul Watson remains undeterred in his mission to save whales. The 73-year-old US-Canadian campaigner, known for his radical and confrontational tactics against whaling, continues to fight for the cause even while facing potential extradition to Japan. "If they think it prevents our opposition, I've just changed ship. My ship right now is Prison Nuuk," Watson told AFP with a mischievous smile during an interview in the visitors' room of Nuuk Prison.

 

 

Watson, who gained fame through the reality TV series "Whale Wars" and as the founder of Sea Shepherd and the Captain Paul Watson Foundation (CPWF), has long been a thorn in the side of whaling nations. His arrest in July in Nuuk was based on a 2012 warrant issued by Japan, which accuses him of causing damage to one of its whaling ships in 2010 in the Antarctic. Japan also alleges that Watson injured a Japanese crew member with a stink bomb intended to disrupt whaling activities and has requested his extradition to face trial.

 

To ensure Watson does not flee, he is being held in custody pending the Greenlandic government's decision. Watson and his legal team argue that Tokyo's pursuit of him is motivated by a desire to make an example out of him. "They want to set an example that you don't mess around with their whaling," Watson said, clad in a thick grey sweater. The Nuuk court is set to decide on September 4 whether to extend his detention. "The lawyers tell me they're going to extend my detention," he remarked.

 

Watson remains resilient, even finding solace in his current situation. From his cell in the modern grey prison building overlooking the sea, he can watch whales and icebergs pass by his window. "It's almost like I'm on the deck of my ship," he said, calling it "the best prison I've ever been in." While he does not mind the detention, he admitted that he misses his young children, aged three and seven. Watson spends his time watching detective shows, reading, and most importantly, writing. He passes his writings to Lamya Essemlali, head of Sea Shepherd France, who has visited him almost daily since his arrest.

 

Support for Watson is widespread, with more than 100,000 people signing a petition calling for his release. Even his fellow inmates in the prison have shown admiration, despite his opposition to Greenland's traditional seal hunt. "I signed autographs when I arrived," Watson shared. He also receives numerous letters of support, many from children who are passionate about the environment. "If we manage to reach children, I think things can change," he said.

 

International support for Watson has also been strong, with French President Emmanuel Macron's office and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot urging Denmark not to extradite him. Watson, who has lived in France for nearly two years, believes Denmark is in a difficult position. "They can't extradite me because first they are vocal proponents of human rights," he said, criticizing the Japanese judicial system as "medieval." He maintains his innocence, stating, "I didn't do anything, and even if I did, the sentence would be a fine of 1,500 kroner ($223) in Denmark—not even a prison sentence—while Japan wants to sentence me to 15 years."

 

Despite his incarceration, Watson’s resolve remains unbroken. He has one ship stationed in each hemisphere, ready to act if any of the countries that still permit whaling—Iceland, Japan, and Norway—resume their hunts. "In 1974, my objective was to eradicate whaling, and I hope to do that before I die," Watson said. He emphasizes that his organization is not a protest group, but rather an "enforcement organization" dedicated to protecting the seas.

 

Rejecting the label of ecoterrorist, Watson explained, "I do aggressive non-violence interference. There is no contradiction between aggressive and non-violence—it means that I will try and get the knife from the person trying to kill a whale, but I won't hurt them. I don't cross the line, I've never hurt anyone."

 

Credit: ABC News 2024-09-03

 

 

 

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3 hours ago, Social Media said:

His arrest in July in Nuuk was based on a 2012 warrant issued by Japan, which accuses him of causing damage to one of its whaling ships in 2010 in the Antarctic. Japan also alleges that Watson injured a Japanese crew member with a stink bomb intended to disrupt whaling activities and has requested his extradition to face trial.

 

Shame on Japan for still allowing to hunt and kill endangered whales .

For what ? Just that they can eat and sell whale steaks ?

The japanese do NOT hunt for scientific purposes as they pretend .

The whale meat will be sold for profit , that is all .

Shame .

3 hours ago, Social Media said:

International support for Watson has also been strong, with French President Emmanuel Macron's office and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot urging Denmark not to extradite him. Watson, who has lived in France for nearly two years, believes Denmark is in a difficult position. "They can't extradite me because first they are vocal proponents of human rights," he said, criticizing the Japanese judicial system as "medieval." He maintains his innocence, stating, "I didn't do anything, and even if I did, the sentence would be a fine of 1,500 kroner ($223) in Denmark—not even a prison sentence—while Japan wants to sentence me to 15 years."

 

Free him immediately and give him a medal .

And money that he can continue .

Whaling is a cruel and disgusting business.

What a laughter.

Stay behind the bars and do your time instead.

That's what Terrorist/Pirate wanted worldwide deserves.

Such a sick idiot with crusader mentality.

1 hour ago, black tabby12345 said:

Such a sick idiot

 

That definitely goes for yourself as well ...

19 minutes ago, nobodysfriend said:

 

That definitely goes for yourself as well ...

 

You, too.

7 hours ago, nobodysfriend said:

 

Shame on Japan for still allowing to hunt and kill endangered whales .

For what ? Just that they can eat and sell whale steaks ?

The japanese do NOT hunt for scientific purposes as they pretend .

The whale meat will be sold for profit , that is all .

Shame .

2 of the 3 species (Minke & Brryde's) they hunt definitely are not endangered

 

The 3rd, (Sei) depends who talk to, and what hemisphere your thinking.  May be endangered in the Southern Hemisphere.   Though Japan being in the Northern hemisphere, (don't know where they hunt), may or may not be endangered, again, depends what 'agency' you reference.

 

Along with a bit of controversy about the date  IUCN  used to list species as 'endangered', on their 'red list'

I recall that incident where the protest boat clearly caused the collision and Watson lied through his teeth as he instructed the protest vessel to be sunk to garner sympathy... https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2010/oct/07/sea-shepherd-accused-protest-boat

Moreover the claims of whales becoming extinct are even less evident than the demise of the Great Barrier Reef. I also suspect the Japanese are not as irresponsible with their whaling quotas as the activists squawk.