The whale and ocean defender answers questions on a radio station for the first time since his arrest on July 21 by Danish authorities. Paul Watson answered questions from France Inter.
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“I appreciate the support of the President and the French government. It shows me that the French government and President Macron care about protecting whales.”Paul Watson, founder of Sea Shepherd, who has been detained in Greenland since July 21, said on France Inter on Monday, September 2. The defender of whales and oceans is answering questions on a radio station for the first time since his arrest through Lamya Essemlali, the president of Sea Shepherd France, who recorded the interview.
“What I do is defend international law for the protection of whales and oceans from illegal activities”recalls Paul Watson.
The 73-year-old activist was arrested as his ship was heading into the Pacific Arctic waters to try to stop a whaling ship. His arrest was made on the basis of an Interpol notice requested by Japan for acts dating back to 2010. Tokyo accuses him of causing damage and injury to a whaling ship at the time.
Paul Watson considers himself a whistleblower. According to him, “All whistleblowers must be protected”. He believes that the public “is not aware” that “A lot of things that are happening are illegal.” “It is everyone’s responsibility to make sure that the public is informed and that these illegal activities are brought to light.”
Paul Watson will be given his verdict by Thursday. The Danish courts have scheduled a hearing in Nuuk, Greenland, on Wednesday to consider Japan’s request for the extradition of the whale-defending captain.
