Greenland Ruling Extends Detention of Anti-Whaling Activist Paul Watson

A Greenland court ruled that anti-whaling campaigner Paul Watson would remain in detention until October 23 while Denmark's Justice Ministry reviews Japan's extradition request. Watson faces charges of obstructing a whaling research ship's work in 2010 and potentially a 15-year sentence. His previous direct-action tactics have been controversial and widely publicized.

A court in Greenland has ruled that anti-whaling campaigner Paul Watson must remain in detention until October 23 while Denmark's Justice Ministry deliberates over his extradition to Japan. Watson is accused of violence in obstructing a Japanese whaling research ship in 2010, with potential penalties of up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Prosecutor Mariam Khalil emphasized that Watson's team had thrown dangerous objects, intending to cause harm. Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq reported her accusations about potassic acid thrown at the Japanese vessel.

Julie Stage, representing Watson's legal team, expressed disappointment over the court's decision. At 73, Watson, the former head of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, has engaged in direct-action tactics that garnered celebrity support and featured on the reality show "Whale Wars."

Watson was detained on July 21 when his ship docked in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Japan, seeking his extradition, does not have an official treaty with Denmark. Watson denied causing any injuries in his 50 years of activism, asserting his adherence to international law.

Japan argues that sustainable whaling is part of its cultural heritage. Watson, who left Sea Shepherd in 2022, was also a founding member of Greenpeace, which he left in 1977 over disagreements about tactics, to form a more action-oriented conservation group.

(With inputs from agencies.)