Denmark has released anti-whaling activist Paul Watson from detention after rejecting a Japanese request to extradite him over criminal charges dating back more than a decade. The 74-year-old US-Canadian, founder of the Sea Shepherd conservationist group and the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, was released in Greenland’s capital Nuuk, where he had been apprehended when his ship docked in July.
Expressing relief at his release, Watson mentioned that he was looking forward to reuniting with his children before Christmas, having been separated from them since June. He acknowledged the overwhelming support he received in Greenland, with over 4,000 letters of support, including some from Japan.
Denmark's justice ministry cited an overall assessment for its decision, considering factors such as the age of the case and uncertainty regarding whether time spent in Greenland detention could be deducted from any potential sentence in Japan. The ministry stated that it could not be assumed with certainty that this deduction would apply.
Japan had issued an international warrant for Watson's arrest, accusing him of breaking into a Japanese vessel in the Antarctic Ocean in 2010, obstructing its business, causing injury, and property damage. However, Japan's embassy in Copenhagen declined to comment on the matter.
Watson's lawyer expressed satisfaction with the decision, emphasizing that the right outcome had been reached. The activist has received significant support in France, where he has resided with his family since 2023. French President Emmanuel Macron and actress Brigitte Bardot have supported campaigns for his release.
Sea Shepherd France's head, Lamya Essemlali, who visited Watson in detention, expressed surprise at the news of his release, highlighting the emotional impact of the development.
