Paul Watson, a well-known anti-whaling activist from the TV show Whale Wars, has been released from custody in Greenland and will not be extradited to Japan.
The Canadian-American citizen had been held in Greenland since earlier this year under a Japanese warrant.
The 74-year-old founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society was wanted by Japan’s coastguard for an incident involving a Japanese whaling research ship in 2010.
He was accused of instructing his ship’s captain to throw explosives at the whaling ship, obstructing the crew’s official duties.
Paul Watson is released from prison in Nuuk, Greenland. Pic: Alataq Moeller/Ritzau Scanpix via AP
His new group, the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, stated he could have faced a 15-year prison sentence in Japan if extradited from Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Although Denmark does not have an extradition treaty with Japan, the Danish Justice Ministry noted that extradition conditions were met. However, they did not receive guarantees from Japanese authorities regarding crediting time served in custody against any potential sentence.
In a video shared on his foundation’s social media, Mr Watson expressed relief at not being sent to Japan and mentioned his longing to reunite with his two young sons.
Activist Paul Watson is arrested in Greenland
Founded in 1977 after leaving Greenpeace, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society engaged in high seas conflicts with Japanese whaling ships, later documented in Whale Wars.
Captain Paul Watson was the founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Pic: AP
Japan defends its commercial whaling practices as part of its food culture and supports sustainable use of whales, while labeling Watson’s group as eco-terrorists.
Celebrities and supporters rallied behind Watson, while the Japanese government accused his group of eco-terrorism.
People demonstrate to support Sea Shepherd founder Paul Watson after his arrest in Greenland. Pic: AP
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Mr Watson was targeted by Japanese authorities through an Interpol red notice and was arrested in Nuuk, Greenland, on July 21.
His lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, expressed relief at Watson’s freedom, anticipating his first meal as a free man and his journey home.
Watson left Sea Shepherd in 2022 to establish his foundation, claiming his arrest was politically motivated and appealing for his release.