Greenland Court Rules Activist Paul Watson to Stay in Custody Pending Extradition Decision

A court in Greenland has mandated that environmental activist Paul Watson remain in custody as Japan seeks his extradition. Watson, known for his anti-whaling efforts, was arrested last month on an international warrant. He is appealing the ruling to Greenland's High Court.

A court in Greenland ruled on Thursday that veteran environmental activist and anti-whaling campaigner Paul Watson must remain in custody as authorities consider Japan's request for his extradition, police said.

The court stated that Watson must stay in detention until Sept 5 to ensure his presence in connection with the extradition decision. Watson has appealed the ruling to Greenland's High Court.

Watson, a 73-year-old Canadian-American citizen, is a former head of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, whose direct action tactics, including high-seas confrontations with whaling vessels, have garnered support from A-list celebrities and featured in the reality television series "Whale Wars".

He was arrested last month on an international warrant issued by Japan when his ship docked in Nuuk, Greenland's capital. Japan's government then requested Danish authorities to extradite Watson for trial in Japan. Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark.

Japan's coast guard sought his arrest over a 2010 encounter with a Japanese whaling research ship, accusing him of obstructing the crew's official duties by ordering his ship's captain to throw explosives at the whaling ship.

Japan's government argues that whale meat is part of Japan's food culture and supports the sustainable use of whales. Since withdrawing from the International Whaling Commission in 2019, Japan has resumed commercial whaling within its exclusive economic zone.

Watson, who left Sea Shepherd in 2022 to establish his own organization, was also a prominent member of Greenpeace until his departure in 1977 due to disagreements over his aggressive tactics.

(With inputs from agencies.)