Canadian-American Environmentalist Arrested in Greenland Amid Extradition Concerns

Captain Paul Watson, a 73-year-old Canadian-American and former head of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, was arrested in Nuuk, Greenland, on Sunday. Known for his high-seas confrontations with whaling vessels, Watson's actions have garnered support from celebrities and were featured in the reality series “Whale Wars.” Following his arrest, he appeared in court to address a request for his detention while authorities consider extraditing him to Japan. The Captain Paul Watson Foundation announced that Watson would remain in custody until at least August 15, as the Danish justice ministry investigates the extradition request. The court deemed him a flight risk, denying bail. Reports indicate that over a dozen police officers boarded Watson's vessel, leading him away in handcuffs during a routine refueling stop. His arrest is linked to a Red Notice issued for his previous anti-whaling activities in the Antarctic. While Japan has issued an international warrant for Watson, the Japan Coast Guard and Foreign Ministry have not confirmed any negotiations for his extradition. Japan lacks an extradition treaty with Greenland, leaving the timeline and possibility of Watson's handover uncertain. Previously, Watson was detained in Germany in 2012 on a Costa Rican extradition warrant but evaded capture after learning of Japan's interest in him. Watson, who left Sea Shepherd in 2022 to establish his own organization, has a history with Greenpeace, having departed in 1977 due to disagreements over tactics. His current vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was reportedly en route to confront a new Japanese factory whaling ship.