Anti-Whaling Campaigner Paul Watson Arrested In Greenland, Faces Extradition

"BERLIN — Greenland police said they apprehended veteran environmental activist and anti-whaling campaigner Paul Watson on an international arrest warrant issued by Japan.

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 drawn support from A-list celebrities and featured in the reality television series “Whale Wars.”

He was arrested Sunday when his ship docked in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, a police statement said. He later appeared before a district court to look into a request to detain him pending a decision on his possible extradition to Japan, the statement said.

Whale meat is an element of Japanese food culture, and the government says it supports the sustainable use of whales."

The Associated Press had the story July 22, 2024.

Source: AP, 07/23/2024