Anti-Whaling Activist Paul Watson Seeks Political Asylum In France To Avoid Possible Extradition To Japan

Paul Watson, the founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, an anti-poaching and direct action group focused on marine conservation activism, has requested political asylum in France to avoid possible extradition to Japan.

Watson, who has been held in Greenland since July, made a direct request to President Emmanuel Macron through his Captain Paul Watson Foundation, seeking asylum from serious legal threats.

Watson, 73, was arrested after his ship arrived in Nuuk, Greenland, on July 21. He was detained after Japan filed an international warrant for his arrest over a decade ago.

The charges against him include breaking into a Japanese vessel in the Antarctic in 2010 and causing harm and property damage while disrupting its operations. If extradited and convicted in Japan, he could face up to 15 years in prison.

His detention has been extended until October 23 while Danish authorities review Japan’s extradition request.

Watson denies the claims against him, stating that they are politically motivated because of his long-standing opposition to Japanese whaling practices, which are banned by an international treaty from 1986.

Sea Shepherd France reports that Watson’s letter was recently delivered to Macron. The organization said Macron has previously expressed support for Watson, citing the importance of his case for environmental campaigns and human rights.

Watson, described as “down” and “isolated,” is currently being held in Greenland’s detention facilities.

Lamya Essemlali, president of Sea Shepherd France, said that Watson has a deep connection to France, which has the world’s second-largest marine territory, making it a crucial player in ocean conservation efforts.

Jean Tamalet, a lawyer associated with Sea Shepherd France, stated that Watson’s asylum request is solely symbolic, intended to prompt his release rather than ensure his protection from extradition.

Critics believe Watson’s arrest is related to Japan’s cultural claims over its whaling practices, which continue to face international criticism. Watson has long been at the forefront of disputes with whaling ships in the Southern Ocean.

References: Reuters, AP News

Anti-Whaling Activist Paul Watson Seeks Political Asylum In France To Avoid Possible Extradition To Japan appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News