Paul Watson, the founder of the “Captain Paul Watson Foundation,” is at the center of a campaign that has spread to the streets of New York City. Three black trucks are cruising around the city, delivering a clear message: “Denmark: Free Paul Watson.” Omar Todd, the CEO of the organization, emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about Watson’s detention. “We want both Danes and the rest of the world to notice our protest. Denmark should not be holding Watson on behalf of Japan,” says Todd.

Watson was arrested on July 21 in Greenland, based on an arrest warrant from Japan related to a confrontation between whale hunters and environmental activists in Antarctica in 2010. The Greenlandic High Court later determined that Watson should remain in custody. The messages on the trucks, including one directed specifically at Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, state: “Activism is not a crime.”

Todd questions Denmark’s motives and draws parallels to whaling practices in both Japan and the Faroe Islands, which are a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. He points out that Watson has previously been able to travel freely in countries like Ireland and France without similar issues. “We are disappointed that Denmark is following Japan’s lead in this matter,” Todd comments, adding that Danish politicians should live up to their reputation for animal welfare and environmental protection.

The moving trucks in Manhattan, situated near the United Nations Headquarters and various diplomatic missions, including Denmark’s, symbolize the ongoing international attention. The campaign continues unwaveringly until Watson is released. Representatives from Watson’s organization are also in Nuuk, Greenland, to closely monitor the case.