Japan Seeks Extradition of Anti-Whaling Activist Held in Greenland

Japan has requested the extradition of anti-whaling activist Paul Watson, who has been detained in Greenland since July 21. Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd group, faces charges from Japan related to a 2010 incident. His lawyer argues that he won't receive a fair trial in Japan.

Japan is seeking the extradition of U.S.-Canadian anti-whaling activist Paul Watson, who has been detained in Greenland since July 21, according to Denmark's justice ministry.

Watson, the founder of the Sea Shepherd activist group, was apprehended by Greenland's police when his ship arrived in Nuuk last month. Japan alleges Watson broke into a Japanese vessel in the Antarctic Ocean in 2010, obstructing its operations and causing injuries and property damage.

Watson's attorney, Francois Zimeray, has criticized Japan's justice system, claiming it will not provide a fair trial, urging Denmark to reject the extradition request. Japan's embassy in Denmark has yet to comment. Any decision on Watson's extradition will be made by Denmark's justice ministry as Greenland is an autonomous province of Denmark.

(With inputs from agencies.)