Denmark frees anti-whaling activist Watson, rejects extradition to Japan

Denmark frees anti-whaling activist Watson, rejects extradition to Japan

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Denmark released anti-whaling activist Paul Watson from prison on Tuesday, rejecting a Japanese request for his extradition on criminal charges that date back more than a decade.

Background to the arrest of Paul Watson

The 74-year-old US-Canadian Watson is the founder of the environmental organization Sea Shepherd and the Captain Paul Watson Foundation. He was released in Nuuk, the capital of the autonomous Danish region of Greenland. Watson was arrested in July when his ship docked in Greenland.

Watson's reactions to the release

After his release, Paul Watson told Reuters: "I'm obviously relieved, especially as it means I can get home to my children before Christmas." He added: "I haven't seen my children since June. The support here in Greenland has been incredible. I have received over 4,000 letters of support, including about a dozen from supporters in Japan."

Decision of the Danish judiciary

The Danish Ministry of Justice explained that the decision was based on an overall assessment that took into account, among other things, the age of the proceedings and, in particular, the uncertainty as to whether the time spent in custody in Greenland could be deducted from a possible final sentence in Japan.

Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard said in a statement: "Based on correspondence with the Japanese authorities, the Ministry of Law assumes that it cannot be assumed with the necessary certainty that this will be the case."

Japanese allegations against Watson

Japan had issued an international arrest warrant for Watson, accusing him of breaking into a Japanese ship in the Antarctic Ocean in 2010, disrupting business operations and causing both injuries and property damage.

A spokesman for the Japanese embassy in Copenhagen declined to comment. Japan's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Support for Watson

Watson's lawyer Julie Stage said she was pleased with the decision: "We think it took a long time, but the most important thing is that it ends with the right decision." Watson enjoys strong support in France, where he has lived with his family since 2023. A campaign for his release received support from President Emmanuel Macron and actress Brigitte Bardot.

Emotional reaction from supporters

Lamya Essemlali, the head of Sea Shepherd France, who visited Watson in detention in Greenland, said the news surprised her: "When I got the news, I could hardly think, to be honest. I just jumped into my clothes and drove to the prison. I think I still don't really realize that he's out," she said.