Interpol clears Paul Watson from most-wanted list amid Japan's extradition request
- Interpol has removed Paul Watson, an anti-whaling campaigner, from its most-wanted list following Denmark's refusal to extradite him to Japan.
- Watson was previously imprisoned in Greenland under a Japanese warrant for accusations stemming from a 2001 incident involving a whaling ship.
- The decision is seen as a significant moment for Watson, but he still risks arrest due to Japan's ongoing request for his extradition.
In a recent development, Interpol announced the removal of anti-whaling campaigner Paul Watson from its most-wanted list. This decision comes in light of Japan's ongoing request for Watson's extradition, stemming from events in 2001 where he was accused of obstructing a Japanese whaling ship's operations. Watson, a 74-year-old environmental activist and former head of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, had been subject to a red notice issued by Interpol since 2012, related to his high-profile confrontation with whalers. The situation intensified last year when he was briefly imprisoned in Greenland under a warrant from Japan. Despite the 2012 red notice and Japan’s attempts to extradite him, the Danish government ultimately declined to send Watson back to Japan due to concerns regarding the adequacy of guarantees for his imprisonment terms there. Moreover, Denmark does not have an extradition treaty with Japan, complicating the legal landscape for Watson further. During his time in custody, he served five months before being released, which raised questions about the right of Japan to extradite him efficiently. In a statement regarding the removal of Watson from its list, Interpol clarified that their decision was not an evaluation of the legal case against him but rather a practical outcome of Denmark's refusal to extradite him. This highlights a significant aspect of international law where extradition treaties play a crucial role in determining the legal fate of individuals facing charges abroad. While his status on this list has changed, it does not eliminate the potential risks associated with his return to certain countries. Sea Shepherd France's president, Lamya Essemlali, noted that the cancellation of the red notice is a positive development, but Watson remains vulnerable to arrest as Japan retains the authority to issue arrest warrants independently. This situation reflects broader conflicts between environmental activism and national legal frameworks, exemplifying the challenges faced by activists working against whaling practices globally.