A court in Greenland has ruled that environmental activist and anti-whaling campaigner Paul Watson must remain in custody as authorities consider Japan's request for his extradition. The decision was made to ensure Watson's presence in connection with the extradition process. Watson, a 73-year-old Canadian-American citizen and former head of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, is known for his direct action tactics against whaling vessels, which have garnered support from celebrities and were featured in the reality TV series 'Whale Wars'.
Watson was arrested last month in Greenland's capital, Nuuk, on an international warrant issued by Japan. Japan requested his extradition to face trial in Japan over an incident in 2010 involving a Japanese whaling research ship. He was accused of obstructing the crew's official duties by allegedly ordering the captain of his ship to throw explosives at the whaling vessel.
Japan justifies its whaling activities by stating that whale meat is part of its food culture and supports the sustainable use of whales. In 2019, Japan withdrew from the International Whaling Commission and resumed commercial whaling within its exclusive economic zone.
Watson, who founded his own organization after leaving Sea Shepherd in 2022, was also a prominent member of Greenpeace before parting ways in 1977 due to disagreements over his aggressive tactics.
