Paul Watson has been denied the basic right to defend himself with evidence, while enduring degrading treatment that is more fitting for a convicted criminal than a man yet to have his day in court. The Ministry of Justice must act swiftly to end this travesty. Paul was brought to court today in Nuuk, Greenland handcuffed and in immense pain when trying to exit the backseat of a police van. The entire court hearing was in Danish and Paul was not allowed a translator, which goes against Danish law. Paul concluded his statement in court saying, “It’s obvious to me that Japan is seeking revenge for the international humiliation caused by the Whale Wars TV series, reporting our actions against illegal whaling. But my two little boys need me more than Japan needs its revenge.” The court refused to see video evidence of the Whale Wars series that shows that the Japanese fabricated evidence. This evidence is not only publicly available, but also strongly refutes the charges against him. This evidence, if allowed, could significantly undermine the case being brought by the Japanese authorities. The refusal to consider this evidence raises serious concerns about the fairness of the legal proceedings and suggests that Watson is being denied a fair opportunity to defend himself. The actions taken against Watson represent a blatant violation of his personal rights. The denial of his ability to present exculpatory evidence, coupled with his prolonged detention under dubious circumstances, highlights a disturbing disregard for his basic human rights. This case not only threatens Watson’s freedom, but also sets a dangerous precedent for the treatment of activists and the protection of individual rights in the face of politically motivated persecution. The positive aspect of this trial is that Japan has now catapulted Operation Kangei Maru to a worldwide audience. Operation Kangei Maru would not have received such attention, so by them arresting Paul, it is putting their actions on trial for the whole world to witness and judge. The Judge’s verdict – Paul is being held in prison until September 5 pending the Justice Department’s decision on potential extradition to Japan. Paul’s lawyers immediately appealed the decision to the High Court of Greenland. Statement by Lawyers Julie Stage and Jonas Christoffersen– “The allegations against Paul Watson are based on facts constructed by Japanese authorities to stop Paul Watson’s campaign. Paul Watson is accused of conspiring with Peter Bethune to injure a crew member of the Shonan Maru, who the Japanese claim was on the deck of the ship when the stink bomb hit the ship. The facts that led to Peter Bethune’s conviction in Japan in 2010. Video shows the crew member was not on deck when the stink bomb hit the ship, contrary to Japanese claims. What the images also show is that the Japanese had, a short time earlier, used large quantities of pepper gas, which touched their own crew in the face. These videos show Japan made up facts to obtain extradition and conviction. Our team will be releasing Animal Planet videos so the public can understand what this case is really about.” We need ALL hands on deck – Let your voices be heard! Email and CallDenmark’s Minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaardjm@jm.dk+45 7226 8400 #FreePaulWatson |
| Address to send Paul letters in Prison PAUL WATSONAnstalten PrisonNuuk, GREENLANDDK-3900 |
| In 2008, the Federal Court of Australia ruled that Japanese whaling activities in the Australian Whale Sanctuary, which is part of the Southern Ocean, were illegal. The court issued an injunction against the Japanese whaling company, Kyodo Senpaku Kaisha Ltd, ordering them to stop hunting whales in the Australian Whale Sanctuary but it was ignored by Japan. Australia then took legal action against Japan by bringing a case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2013, challenging Japan’s Antarctic whaling program. Australia argued that Japan’s whaling activities violated international law, specifically the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling. In 2014, the ICJ ruled in favor of Australia, declaring that Japan’s whaling program was not for scientific purposes and ordered Japan to cease its whaling operations in the Southern Ocean. Despite this ruling, Japan later resumed whaling under a revised program, claiming it was for scientific research. At the 2016 International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting, Australia led the charge with a landmark resolution, approved by 88 nations, aimed at tightening the loophole that allows nations to kill whales under the pretext of scientific research. While the IWC has made strides in closing this loophole, it still exists. Tragically, over 15,000 whales have been hunted by Japan in the Southern Ocean and Antarctic waters under the guise of research. |
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