A lone anti-whaling protester boarded an Icelandic whaling vessel and chained himself to the mast, only to discover the ship was sailing to sea. He reportedly broke down upon realizing he would be at sea for an extended period. Despite previous hopes of an end to the practice, Iceland, along with Norway and Japan, remains one of the few countries still permitting whaling. Activists express dismay, citing animal welfare concerns and minimal domestic demand for whale meat, even as Iceland has recommended a reduction in this year’s hunting quotas.
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Following 150 days of imprisonment in Greenland on an Interpol red notice issued by Japan, Paul Watson was released after Denmark rejected Japan’s extradition request. The Danish justice minister cited insufficient assurances from Japan that Watson’s pre-trial detention would be credited towards any future sentence. Watson, a prominent anti-whaling activist, faces charges related to a 2010 incident involving a Japanese whaling ship, but maintains his innocence. His release allows him to reunite with his young sons for Christmas.
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I can’t believe that Paul Watson, a veteran environmental activist and anti-whaling campaigner, has been arrested in Greenland on an international arrest warrant issued by Japan. The fact that he may be extradited to Japan is deeply troubling to me. Watson has dedicated his life to fighting against the ruthless slaughter of whales, using direct action tactics that have drawn both support and controversy. His efforts have even been featured in the reality television series “Whale Wars.”
I am in shock at the possibility that a man who has dedicated his life to such a noble cause could face extradition to a country that continues to engage in the barbaric practice of whaling.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker