Japan requests extradition of activist Paul Watson

Japan has formally requested Denmark to extradite Canadian-American activist Paul Watson, currently detained in Greenland, for intervening against Japanese whalers in Antarctica in 2010. Denmark’s Ministry of Justice is awaiting verified documents before potentially proceeding with the case through Greenland Police. The final extradition decision will be made by the Justice Ministry, following Greenlandic law. Greenland’s Minister for Justice, Naaja H. Nathanielsen, emphasized the government’s noninterference in the judiciary’s process. Watson, a Greenpeace co-founder, was arrested on July 21st in Nuuk following an international arrest warrant. A court hearing on August 15th will determine if he will be extradited. French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Danish officials not to extradite Watson. The case has attracted global attention.