Denmark has released Paul Watson, the 74-year-old anti-whaling activist and founder of the Sea Shepherd conservation group, following months of detention in Greenland. The Danish government announced on Tuesday that it had denied Japan’s extradition request for Watson, citing legal uncertainties and the age of the charges against him.
Watson, a dual US-Canadian citizen, was detained in July when his ship docked in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital. Japan had issued an international warrant for his arrest over charges stemming from a 2010 incident in the Antarctic Ocean, where Watson allegedly boarded a Japanese vessel, obstructed its operations, and caused injuries and property damage.
“I’m certainly relieved, especially since it allows me to get home to my children before Christmas,” Watson told Reuters after his release. “I haven’t seen my children since June. But the support here in Greenland has been incredible,” he added, noting he had received more than 4,000 letters of encouragement, including a dozen from supporters in Japan.
Denmark’s justice ministry explained that its decision was influenced by concerns over how Greenland detention time would be accounted for if Watson were convicted in Japan. Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard stated: “Based on correspondence with the Japanese authorities on this matter, the Ministry of Justice believes that it cannot be assumed with the necessary certainty that this will be the case.”
Julie Stage, Watson’s lawyer, welcomed the decision, saying: “We think it has taken a long time, but the most important thing is that it ends with the right decision.”
Watson has lived with his family in France since 2023, where he has received significant support. A campaign for his release drew endorsements from French President Emmanuel Macron and actress Brigitte Bardot. Lamya Essemlali, head of Sea Shepherd France, expressed her surprise and joy at Watson’s release.
“When I got the news, I mean, I could hardly think, honestly,” Essemlali said. “I just rushed into my clothes and rushed to the prison. I think I still don’t realize really that he’s out.”
Japanese authorities have not commented on Denmark’s decision. A spokesperson for Japan’s embassy in Copenhagen declined to respond, and Japan’s foreign ministry did not immediately issue a statement.
