Anti-whaling activist Paul Watson arrested in Greenland on Japan warrant • FRANCE 24 English

Summary

Environmental activist Paul Watson, founder of Sea Shepherd, was arrested in Greenland and taken away by Danish police, sparking outrage among supporters. A petition demanding his release has gained over 300,000 signatures, including French celebrities. Watson faces extradition to Japan, where he could serve 15 years for his anti-whaling operations in the Antarctic, which Tokyo views as illegal. The French government is monitoring the situation closely.

Takeaways

• 🚨 Paul Watson, the founder of Sea Shepherd, was arrested by Danish police in a Greenland port.
• 😲 His arrest has sparked outrage among supporters, especially in France, where over 300,000 people have signed a petition for his release.
• 🌍 French celebrities, including comedian Pierre Richard, are among the notable figures supporting Watson's release.
• 👴 At 73 years old, Watson faces up to 15 years in prison, a sentence that could mean he might never see his family again.
• 🌊 Watson is known for his daring operations against Japanese whaling ships in the Antarctic, challenging maritime law.
• ⚖️ Japan issued an Interpol red notice against Watson, accusing him of disrupting their whaling activities.
• 📜 The International Court of Justice condemned Japan for illegal whaling, which Watson was attempting to prevent.
• 🇫🇷 The French government has expressed its concern and is in contact with Danish authorities regarding Watson's case.
• 🇩🇰 Denmark is expected to decide by mid-August whether to extradite Watson to Japan.
• 🛡️ Watson's supporters view him as a defender of the environment, not a criminal, and argue his actions were to protect an international whale sanctuary.

Q & A

Who is Paul Watson and what is his connection to the incident described in the transcript?

Paul Watson is an activist and the founder of Sea Shepherd, an NGO focused on marine wildlife conservation. He was handcuffed and taken away by Danish police from a Greenland port.

What sparked outrage among Paul Watson's supporters?

The arrest of Paul Watson on Sunday sparked outrage among his supporters because they view him as an environmental hero rather than a criminal.

How many signatures does the petition demanding Watson's immediate release have?

The petition demanding Paul Watson's immediate release has garnered well over 300,000 signatures.

Who are some of the notable supporters of the petition for Paul Watson's release?

Notable supporters of the petition include French celebrities, such as the iconic comedian Pierre Richard.

What is the potential consequence for Paul Watson if he is convicted?

If convicted, Paul Watson, who is 73 years old, risks 15 years in prison, which could mean he might die there and never see his family again.

Why has Japan requested an Interpol red notice for Paul Watson's arrest?

Japan has requested an Interpol red notice because of Watson's operations against Japanese whaling vessels in the Antarctic Ocean, which they view as illegal.

What has been Japan's stance on Paul Watson's actions?

Japan is livid over Watson's interventions, which they consider illegal, and has been seeking his arrest since 2012.

What actions did Paul Watson take that led to the conflict with Japan?

Paul Watson took action to protect an international sanctuary and prevent an illegal whale hunt, which involved daring interventions that tested the limits of maritime law.

What is the French government's response to Paul Watson's arrest?

The French government is in contact with Danish authorities and is closely following the matter.

By when is Denmark expected to decide on whether to extradite Paul Watson to Japan?

Denmark is expected to decide whether or not to extradite Paul Watson to Japan by mid-August.

What does the term 'Interpol red notice' refer to in the context of Paul Watson's case?

An 'Interpol red notice' is a request to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, which in Watson's case was requested by Japan due to his actions against Japanese whaling vessels.