Paul Watson, a controversial figure in environmental activism, was arrested on Sunday in Nuuk, Greenland, with assistance from the Danish police. Watson is known for his tireless efforts to protect marine life and has spent much of his 73 years fighting against whaling and other activities he considers harmful to ocean ecosystems. Through his organization, the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, he has conducted numerous missions to sabotage what he calls “harmful” actions against nature.
Watson’s methods have always been characterized by an aggressive approach, which has made him a divisive figure. He was once expelled from Greenpeace, an organization he co-founded, due to his militant tactics. However, Watson asserts that he has never harmed any individuals and refers to his method as “aggressive non-violence.”
Watson is no stranger to legal troubles. In Norway, he was convicted for attempting to sink a whaling ship in 1992, and in Costa Rica, he has been accused of assaulting crew members on a ship in 2002. These and other incidents have led to him being listed on Interpol’s “red notice” in 2010, indicating that member countries must locate and arrest him for extradition. Japan has since sought to prosecute him for an incident in Antarctica, where Japanese authorities allege he intervened and disrupted whaling activities.
Watson has many supporters, including notable celebrities such as Mick Jagger, Pierce Brosnan, Uma Thurman, and Martin Sheen, who have praised his courage and dedication. Actress Brigitte Bardot has also expressed concern for Watson’s safety should he be extradited to Japan, suggesting that such an action could be a “death sentence” for him due to his long-standing opposition to whaling.