Japan Seeks Extradition of Anti-Whaling Activist Held in Greenland

Japan is seeking the extradition of Paul Watson, an anti-whaling activist, who has been detained in Greenland since July 21. Watson faces charges in Japan related to a 2010 incident involving a Japanese whaling vessel. Denmark, which governs Greenland, is currently considering Japan's formal extradition request.

Japan is making a formal request for the extradition of Paul Watson, a prominent U.S.-Canadian anti-whaling activist, who has been in custody in Greenland since July 21, according to both Danish and Japanese authorities.

Paul Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd activist group and the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, is wanted by Japan for allegedly breaking into a Japanese vessel in 2010, obstructing its business, and causing injury and property damage. He was detained by Greenland's police when his ship docked at Nuuk port last month.

On Wednesday, the Japanese embassy in Copenhagen formally requested Watson's extradition from Denmark. Watson's French lawyer, Francois Zimeray, argued that Japan's justice system is unreliable for a fair trial and urged Denmark to reject the request. The Sankei daily, citing unnamed Japanese sources, reported that Denmark intends to comply with the extradition request, although no official response has been given by the Danish justice ministry.

(With inputs from agencies.)