Nuuk, Greenland 17 Dec 2024 – Anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from prison in Greenland where he spent five months in custody, after Denmark rejected a Japanese request to extradite him. Captain Watson, who spent his 74th birthday behind bars, is now free and will be able to spend Christmas with his family. This decision marks a significant victory for human rights, environmental activism and the anti-whaling movement.
“Sometimes, going to jail is necessary to make your point. Every situation offers an opportunity, and this was another chance to shine a global spotlight on Japan’s illegal whaling in the Southern Ocean Sanctuary. If I had been sent to Japan, I might never have come home. I’m relieved that didn’t happen.” Stated Captain Paul Watson upon exiting Nuuk Detention Center in Greenland.
Watson’s arrest has brought to light abuse of the Interpol system, exposing how individuals can be detained based on politically motivated charges, without a thorough review of the evidence. This case underscores the need for reform within international law enforcement mechanisms to prevent such injustices.
“Paul Watson is a free man after serving 150 days behind bars without being tried for any crime, Denmark made the right choice today to dismiss this politically motivated and vengeful case brought on by Japan, this is a victory for human rights and for the whales!” stated Locky MacLean, Ship Operations Director at CPWF.
Paul Watson was arrested on 21 July based on a 14-year-old Interpol notice from Japan. However, Danish Authorities were alerted to Watson’s whereabouts by the Faroe Islands Police, which tracked his foundation’s ship when it departed Dublin to carry out anti-whaling missions. In late September, the Japan Coast Guard dispatched a senior official to Denmark to directly request the extradition of anti-whaling activist Paul Watson.
Watson’s defense maintained throughout the past 5 months that the arrest was politically motivated, and largely fuelled by the negative media exposure Watson and his crew caused Japan during the filming of WHALE WARS, an action reality series that aired on the Animal Planet Network. While time-coded footage of the alleged incident clearly showed his innocence, this footage was not allowed to be presented in court in Greenland.
Captain Watson’s detainment has shone a spotlight on the ongoing issue of illegal Japanese whaling. Despite international treaties and regulations, Japan has resumed high-seas whaling with the construction of the Kangei Maru, a $47 million factory processing vessel launched in May to target threatened Fin Whales.
“We’re thrilled to announce that Captain Paul Watson has been released. Paul’s relentless commitment to protecting our oceans and standing up against illegal whaling has sparked a global movement. We can’t thank our supporters enough for their incredible efforts, which were key to his freedom. With Captain Watson back, we’re more motivated than ever to keep fighting for our oceans and making sure our mission stays strong. Captain Watson’s release is a testament to the commitment of those who stand up for the environment. As he rejoins his family, friends, and supporters, he remains steadfast in his mission to safeguard marine life.” Stated Omar Todd CPWF CEO, who was present when Captain Watson was released from prison today.
During his detainment, Captain Watson received an outpouring of support from global citizens, including celebrities such as Jane Goodall, Pearl Jam, Sylvia Earle, President Macron, the President of Brazil, Martin Sheen, Richard Branson, and Pierce Brosnan. The #FreePaulWatson movement saw thousands of supporters and protesters worldwide calling for justice.