A few hours to decide his fate
Update after the last court hearing:
The bad news is that the hearing on 4th of September did not rule for Paul Watson’s immediate release and his detention has been extended until the 2nd of October.
The good news is that in less than 24 hours we flooded the inbox of the Danish Minister of Justice with more than one thousand emails demanding his immediate release.
We must continue putting pressure in sight of the next court ruling on 2nd October and have now updated the letter to Peter Hummelgaard. Please forward this to a friend asking them to take a stand against the criminalisation of activists and against corporate whale slaughter.
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Paul Watson, environmental activist who dedicated his life to the protection of whales and marine ecosystems, could end up dying in a Japanese prison, unless Denmark stands up against the greedy corporations committing illegal whale slaughtering in Antarctica.
Today September 4th, Denmark decides Paul Watson’s fate. Send a letter now to Peter Hummelgaard, Danish Minister of Justice, to urge him to free Paul Watson and refuse his extradition to Japan!
Who is Paul Watson?
Paul Watson, the founder of the NGO Sea Shepherd and co-founder of Greenpeace, is a renowned environmental activist who has dedicated his life to protecting wildlife, particularly whales and marine ecosystems. His work, driven by a deep commitment to the planet—not personal gain—has saved over 5,000 cetaceans from slaughter.
What is Happening?
On July 21, 2024, Paul Watson was unjustly arrested in Nuuk, Greenland, by Danish authorities and now faces extradition to Japan—a country that is ignoring international bans on commercial whaling. Japan’s international arrest warrant for Paul Watson is an act of revenge for his opposition to illegal whaling.
Japan demands his immediate extradition, and tomorrow—Thursday, September 5th—the Danish Ministry of Justice will decide his fate. If extradited, 73 year-old Watson could face 15 years in a Japanese prison, effectively condemning him to die behind bars.
Why This Matters
Whaling in Japan is a multi-million-dollar industry driven by corporate greed under the guise of tradition. Since the 1986 moratorium by the International Whaling Commission (IWC), commercial whaling has been illegal. Yet, Japan has abandoned the IWC and continues its slaughter, driven by profit, not need. This reckless industry threatens ocean ecosystems and defies international marine law.
Paul Watson was on his way to oppose Japan’s latest whaling monstrosity—a brand-new, 9,300-ton, $47 million "mother ship" that operates like a floating factory of death. His arrest by Denmark, a European Union member and IWC signatory, is a disgrace. It appears Denmark is bowing to corporate and political pressure, betraying the very principles it has pledged to uphold.
Why Act Now?
For 14 years, Paul Watson freely travelled across Europe, championing environmental causes. His sudden arrest this July is part of a disturbing global trend: the criminalisation and repression of peaceful protestors and environmental activists. To protest is not only a right—it is an urgent necessity.
In a world facing a climate crisis and the rapid erosion of biodiversity, the protection of whistleblowers and activists like Watson is more crucial than ever. His fate—and the fate of the whales—now rests in our hands.
Our Demands:
- The Danish Ministry of Justice must immediately release Paul Watson and refuse his extradition to Japan.
- Japan must comply with the IWC moratorium and cease all commercial whaling activities.
- Stronger international binding regulations must be enforced to protect whales from corporate-driven slaughter.
Let's flood the Danish Minister of Justice, Peter Hummelgaard's inbox with emails and demand to immediately stop the unfair detention of Paul Watson!