Greenlandic court extends detention of environmental activist Paul Watson until October 23rd

A Greenlandic court has upheld the extension of environmental activist Paul Watson’s detention until October 23rd. Watson, a prominent figure in the fight against whaling, has been incarcerated in Greenland since July 21 after being arrested by local and Danish authorities based on a 12-year-old arrest warrant from Japan. He was detained upon arrival in Nuuk with his ship.

Japan has requested Denmark to extradite the controversial activist, accusing him of actions against Japanese whaling ships in Antarctica in February 2010, which could result in a sentence of up to 15 years in prison. Watson’s detention has been extended multiple times since his arrest.

The case has garnered international attention, drawing support for Watson from politicians, Hollywood celebrities, and fellow environmental activists. French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Denmark not to extradite him to Japan. Watson’s activist approach is described as “aggressive non-violent,” often placing himself between whaling ships and their targets. Videos illustrate confrontations between Sea Shepherd, the organization he founded, and whaling vessels.

Japan’s whaling practices are contentious, as they continue to hunt large whales allegedly for scientific research, despite an International Whaling Commission ban established in 1986. The International Court of Justice ruled in 2014 that Japan’s whaling was effectively commercial and therefore illegal.