Japan Seeks Extradition of U.S.-Canadian Anti-Whaling Activist

Japan is requesting the extradition of anti-whaling activist Paul Watson, who has been in custody in Greenland since July 21. Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd group, was detained when his ship docked in Nuuk. The decision to extradite lies with Denmark's justice ministry.

(Updates throughout) COPENHAGEN, Aug 1 (Reuters) -

Japan is requesting the extradition of a U.S.-Canadian anti-whaling activist who has been held in custody in Greenland since July 21, Denmark's justice ministry said in a statement on Thursday. Paul Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd activist group and the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, was apprehended by the Arctic island's police when his ship docked at the port of Nuuk last month.

Greenland is an autonomous province of Denmark. Any decision to extradite Watson must be made by the Danish justice ministry.

(With inputs from agencies.)