33 votes

Anti-whaling activist Paul Watson arrested on an international arrest warrant issued by Japan in Greenland

7 comments

  1. Carrow
    Link
    Note that, despite the article's sub-headline, Red Notices issued by Interpol are not international arrest warrants and member countries are not compelled to enforce them as such. Interpol has a...

    Note that, despite the article's sub-headline, Red Notices issued by Interpol are not international arrest warrants and member countries are not compelled to enforce them as such. Interpol has a troubling history of issuing politically motivated notices. Including those against journalists and human rights defenders.

    Greenland is sanctioned to hunt whales for cultural historical reasons. The government has requested increased allowances despite illegal whaling operations. Official tourism marketing has promoted whale meat as a delicacy.

    Unless there is some other extradition treaty in play, they chose to arrest him themselves.

    16 votes
  2. ChingShih
    Link
    The CPWF issued a press release here. The crux of it is: Someone on Reddit, and aligned with CPWF, said: They are also concerned that Japan is seeking to prosecute and jail him (the charges...

    The CPWF issued a press release here. The crux of it is:

    The arrest is believed to be related to a former Red Notice issued for Captain Watson’s previous anti-whaling interventions in the Antarctic region. ...

    “We’re completely shocked, as the Red Notice had disappeared a few months ago. We were surprised because it could mean that it had been erased or made confidential. We understand now that Japan made it confidential to lure Paul into a false sense of security. We implore the Danish government to release Captain Watson and not entertain this politically-motivated request”, stated Locky MacLean, Ship Operation’s Director for CPWF.

    The crew and Foundation have no means of contacting him and have had no further news. At the time of writing, Watson remains in custody and it is unknown whether Denmark will allow Mr. Watson to be extradited to Japan.

    Someone on Reddit, and aligned with CPWF, said:

    Update: Captain Paul Watson is facing a judge at Sermersooq District Court (Greenland), and the police are pushing for his detention. The Ministry of Justice will decide on his extradition to Japan.

    They are also concerned that Japan is seeking to prosecute and jail him (the charges apparently carry a maximum penalty of 15 years).

    4 votes
  3. BeanBurrito
    Link
    This has happened to him a number of times through the years.

    This has happened to him a number of times through the years.

    2 votes
  4. [4]
    babypuncher
    Link
    Has Japan considered not killing whales? I've gone my entire life without killing a whale, it's very easy.

    Has Japan considered not killing whales? I've gone my entire life without killing a whale, it's very easy.

    16 votes
    1. [3]
      slashtab
      Link Parent
      Have you considered not punching baby?! I have gone my entire life without punching baby. It's very easy . jk

      Have you considered not punching baby?! I have gone my entire life without punching baby. It's very easy . jk

      3 votes
      1. PopeRigby
        Link Parent
        I would agree. It is pretty easy not punching babies.

        I would agree. It is pretty easy not punching babies.

      2. updawg
        Link Parent
        So...you do punch baby?

        jk

        So...you do punch baby?

        3 votes