Official announcements from Japanese authorities or international law enforcement agencies

Denmark Frees 74-Year-Old Paul Watson After 149 Days in Greenland, Rejects Japan's Extradition

Dec 17, 2024, 12:59 PM

Environmental activist Paul Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and former member of Greenpeace, has been released from detention in Greenland after Denmark rejected a Japanese request for his extradition. Watson, a 74-year-old Canadian-American, was arrested in July under an international warrant issued by Japan, which accused him of causing damage and injury to a Japanese whaling ship in 2010. The Danish Ministry of Justice decided not to extradite Watson, citing the length of his detention, which lasted 149 days, and the age of the charges against him. Watson, who has been a prominent figure in the fight against whaling and featured in the reality TV series 'Whale Wars', expressed relief at his release and plans to return to France to be with his family for the holidays. Sea Shepherd France and other supporters celebrated his release, while Watson's lawyers intend to challenge the Interpol red notice and the Japanese arrest warrant to ensure his freedom to travel.