Greenland Court Extends Detention of Anti-Whaling Activist amid Japan Extradition Request

A court in Greenland has extended the detention of anti-whaling activist Paul Watson until October 2, while Denmark considers Japan's extradition request. Watson was arrested on July 21 following an encounter with a Japanese whaling ship in 2010. He faces up to 15 years in prison if extradited.

In a recent ruling, a court in Greenland has heightened the detention period for renowned anti-whaling advocate Paul Watson. The decision comes as Denmark deliberates on an extradition request from Japan.

The court declared that Canadian-American Paul Watson would stay in custody up to October 2. This extension provides Denmark's justice ministry ample time to review the extradition plea. Greenland, although an autonomous territory of Denmark, lacks an extradition agreement with Japan.

Paul Watson, the ex-leader of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, was detained on July 21 in Greenland's capital. Japan's coast guard had earlier sought his arrest over a 2010 incident involving a Japanese whaling research vessel. If extradited and convicted, Watson could face a 15-year prison sentence.

(With inputs from agencies.)