The American-Canadian environmental activist Paul Watson may face extradition to Japan after being arrested in Greenland. According to his organization, Sea Shepherd, Watson is fully aware that his case has political implications. The organization’s president, Lamya Essemlali, who regularly visits Watson in the prison in Nuuk, states that he recognizes the political pressure Japan is exerting against him and views himself as a political symbol.
Watson founded Sea Shepherd and is known for his confrontational and radical methods aimed at opposing whaling, including direct confrontations with whaling ships. The 73-year-old activist was detained on July 21 in Nuuk when his ship, the “John Paul DeJoria,” docked to refuel. The ship was part of a mission to block a Japanese whaling vessel in the North Atlantic.
Back in 2010, Japan issued an arrest warrant for Watson following an incident in Antarctica during which he disrupted Japanese whalers. This incident led to Japan placing Watson on an Interpol wanted list. Essemlali emphasizes that Watson does not regret his actions and maintains that he acted correctly.