Nov. 13, 2024, Nuuk, Greenland – The legal battle surrounding Captain Paul Watson, world-renowned marine conservationist, took another frustrating turn today. Judge Lars-Christian Sinkbæk extended his remand by an additional three weeks, postponing his next hearing until December 2, 2024, which coincides with Watson’s 74th birthday. The delay comes amid increasing global scrutiny and rising concerns over the fairness of the proceedings.
Today marks Paul’s 6th court appearance, which was very brief. The judge postponed the hearing once again. The court of Greenland referred to the verdict from the High Court, stating that keeping Paul is not disproportionate. The judge expects a decision on this to be presented before the next court date, indicating that the case needs to be expedited.
“Today we argued that being held is disproportionate but the decision is currently in the hands of a higher court”, said Finn Meinel, Paul Watson’s defense attorney.
Watson, who has been detained since July 21, 2024, is fighting extradition to Japan over allegations stemming from a 2010 protest in the Antarctic against illegal Japanese whaling operations. The charges claim Watson injured a crew member during a non-lethal stink bomb protest, which his supporters argue is being blown out of proportion to silence his decades-long fight against whaling. While the video evidence of the incident was once again not able to be presented in court today.
“115 days and they haven’t made a decision” , stated Captain Paul Watson, commenting on his indefinite detention.
Despite growing international calls for his release, the prosecution was granted yet another extension today, with the judge advising that evidence cannot be considered until the Justice Ministry has made a decision on whether to proceed with extradition, blocking yet again critical evidence in Watson’s defense, which his legal team insists would exonerate him.
With esteemed conservationists like Sylvia Earle, David Attenborough, and Jane Goodall, among many others, speaking out in support of Captain Watson, it is deeply troubling that his fundamental human right to defend himself and present his evidence continues to be denied. Watson’s supporters, including leading environmental and human rights organizations, are increasingly vocal about the lack of transparency and fairness in the proceedings. They argue that these politically motivated charges are part of a broader effort to silence those fighting to protect our oceans and stifle the global environmental movement.
“It’s much of the same from this Greenland court. Due to the failure of the Danish Ministry of Justice to decide on Japan’s extradition request – Paul will be spending his next birthday in court on these trivial revenge charges from the illegal whalers of Japan” – Rob Read, CPWF UK
Watson’s detention stems from an Interpol red notice issued by Japan, relating to his efforts in 2010 to disrupt illegal whaling activities in the Antarctic Whale Sanctuary. Watson was en route to stop Japan’s new factory whaling vessel from hunting endangered Fin Whales when he was arrested by Danish Authorities on a special request from Japan, while refuelling in Greenland.
His legal team maintains that these charges are politically motivated, aimed at silencing Watson and intimidating other activists who are working to expose Japan’s unlawful whaling practices, which have been condemned by the International Court of Justice. The case is set to proceed to criminal court, where Watson’s defense team will present evidence of his innocence, pending a decision by the Danish Justice Ministry on whether to move forward with his extradition.