Captain Paul Watson Finally Free!

Paul Watson has finally been released from prison! The anti-whaling activist, former hunt sab, founder of Sea Shepherd and the Captain Paul Watson Foundation has spent the last 5 months incarcerated in Greenland.

He was arrested by Danish authorities acting on an Interpol arrest warrant issued 14 years ago by Japan, who accused him of obstructing a Japanese whaling ship in the Southern Ocean.

Paul Watson and his legal team have maintained his innocence throughout, something they said he could have proven if given a chance to do so in court.

Captain Paul Watson was released from jail on December 17th, after Demark rejected Japan’s request to extradite the 74 year old. Paul can now spend Christmas at home with his family after recently spending his birthday in prison.

Paul’s defence have said throughout his ordeal that this was politically motivated, and was a reaction to the negative publicity generated towards Japan’s illegal whaling, highlighted by Paul and his crew during the filming of the very popular ‘WHALE WARS!’ TV series.

On his release from Nuuk Detention Center in Greenland, Paul had this to say:

“Sometimes, going to jail is necessary to make your point. Every situation offers an opportunity, and this was another chance to shine a global spotlight on Japan’s illegal whaling in the Southern Ocean Sanctuary. If I had been sent to Japan, I might never have come home. I’m relieved that didn’t happen.”

His case has also shone a light on the misuse of the Interpol system, and how it can be abused by keeping a person jailed without even reviewing the evidence. Locky Maclean, the CPWF’s Ship Operations Director, stated this:

“Paul Watson is a free man after serving 150 days behind bars without being tried for any crime, Denmark made the right choice today to dismiss this politically motivated and vengeful case brought on by Japan, this is a victory for human rights and the whales!”

Further statements were released including one by Omar Todd, the CEO of CPWF. Omar was present when Captain Paul was released on Tuesday.

“We’re thrilled to announce that Captain Paul Watson has been released. Paul’s relentless commitment to protecting our oceans and standing up against illegal whaling has sparked a global movement. We can’t thank our supporters enough for their incredible efforts, which were key to his freedom. With Captain Watson back, we’re more motivated than ever to keep fighting for our oceans and making sure our mission stays strong. Captain Watson’s release is a testament to the commitment of those who stand up for the environment. As he rejoins his family, friends, and supporters, he remains steadfast in his mission to safeguard marine life.”

Paul’s detention received an outpouring of public opposition, including from senior politicians and celebrities. Hunt Saboteurs joined demonstrations at Parliament, and mobilised supporters to write to the Danish authorities in protest.

And as Omar Todd stated, the vital support of the public in raising awareness was key to his release, from the global protests to the #FreePaulWatson movement and petitions and letter writing actions.

We hope everyone reading this is as delighted as us that justice has finally been served.