William Julié has provided France24 with an in-depth analysis of the political and geopolitical aspects of Denmark’s refusal to extradite Paul Watson to Japan.
Denmark has acknowledged the disproportionate nature of the criminal proceedings brought against him, given the minor nature of the charges against him, the fact that they were brought a long time ago, and the lack of any guarantee that the time spent in detention in Greenland would be deducted from his sentence in Japan. It was in fact the political nature of the proceedings in Japan that was finally accepted by Denmark, after being denounced by Sea Shepherd France and France.
The last-minute intervention of the United States, of which Paul Watson is a citizen, obtained by his international legal team, coupled and reinforced by the legal arguments put forward over the last five months, led to the only appropriate judicial response.
This result should lead Japan to reflect on its whaling practices, which are opposed by almost the entire international community, and this will be made official as soon as Interpol has removed Paul Watson’s data from its information system.
In the meantime, while he is still subject to a Red Notice that complicates his international travel, he is free to travel to friendly countries such as the United States and France, which have publicly stated their support, since Interpol alerts do not oblige member states to arrest the person concerned.