Sea Shepherd activists mobilize again to secure the release of Paul Watson

“This is what makes our identity, it is non-violent direct action.” Michel Blazy, now head of the Paris group of Sea Shepherd, was won over by the methods of action implemented by Sea Shepherd captain Paul Watson. “We act with our own meanshe adds. In all of Sea Shepherd’s actions there have never been any injuries.” If there are no injuries, the images are often spectacular, for example collisions between Japanese whalers and Sea Shepherd ships. Scenes worthy of a naval battle that were relayed in the series Whale Wars (“The Whale War”).

French Sea Shepherd activists are mobilizing again on Saturday, August 24, with demonstrations in support of Paul Watson planned in Paris and Lyon. The famous captain was arrested in Greenland at the end of July while he was en route to the North Pacific to oppose Japanese whalers. Japan is demanding the extradition of the Sea Shepherd founder to face trial for his previous actions. For his supporters, this is a real injustice.

For Michel Blazy, Sea Shepherd acts where the authorities fail: “For example, at the moment, we have a campaign in Mayotte where sea turtles are being poached so that their meat can be sold on the black market. We intervene in the form of patrols on the beaches every night to dissuade, put to flight, or even arrest and hand over to the authorities the poachers who operate on these beaches.

So when he learns of Paul Watson’s arrest, it comes as a real surprise to him: “Paul Watson does not deserve the treatment he is receiving today. He is being brought into a courtroom in handcuffs like a criminal. His actions alone led to the saving of 5,000 whales. It is unacceptable that he is being treated this way.” The pirate-like captain remains in custody in Greenland until at least September 5, awaiting a decision on a potential extradition to Japan.

In an interview with the media Vakita.fr, he assures that the Japanese have lost the battle of communication: “Our aim was to draw international attention to the illegal operations of Japan and its new whaling ship, the Kangei Maru. Well, by arresting me, that’s exactly what they did: draw international attention to their illegal whaling campaign. My children need me more than the Japanese need revenge.” A petition demanding his release was launched by Hugo Clément and has exceeded 750,000 signatures.