Paul Watson's Citizenship Bid Amid Detainment Saga

Paul Watson, an environmental activist detained in Greenland, seeks French citizenship to elude extradition to Japan. His lawyer argues his marine conservation efforts align with France's values. The French government is reviewing his request as Watson expresses gratitude to President Macron.

Environmental activist Paul Watson, currently detained in Greenland, has officially requested French citizenship in an attempt to avoid extradition to Japan. Watson's bid comes after France's Foreign Minister indicated his political asylum plea couldn't be processed as he is not on French soil.

Watson, known for founding the Sea Shepherd and advocating against whaling, was detained in Nuuk, Greenland, in July. This followed his attempt to disrupt a Japanese whaling operation. Japan has been pursuing Watson's extradition for allegedly obstructing commercial whaling and injuring crew members in a 2010 incident in Antarctic waters.

His lawyer, Jean Tamalet, announced the citizenship appeal on Thursday, pointing to Watson's contributions to marine conservation, which resonate with France's environmental agenda. The French government is assessing Watson's naturalisation application, while Environment Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher repeated France's call for his release.

(With inputs from agencies.)