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Denmark Extends Paul Watson’s Detention, Awaiting Justice Ministry’s Final Call


Paul watson 5th 6th hearing detention greenland arrest denmark hearing
Captain Paul Watson, Outside Nuuk Prison, Credit: Rob Read / Captain Paul Watson Foundation UK



13 November 2024, Nuuk, Greenland – Captain Paul Watson, the founder of the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, faces yet another delay in his ongoing detention, as Judge Lars-Christian Sinkbæk ordered an extension until 2 December 2024, which coincides with his 74th birthday.


This ruling marks the sixth court appearance for Watson since his initial arrest on 21 July, intensifying global scrutiny of the Greenlandic legal proceedings and raising questions about procedural fairness.



Paul watson 5th 6th hearing detention greenland arrest denmark hearing sea shepherd uk
On Saturday, the 9th, supporters gathered in front of Parliament House to show their support for Paul Watson


In today’s brief hearing, the Greenlandic court cited a High Court ruling, stating that Watson’s continued detention was not “disproportionate,” though Judge Sinkbæk urged prompt action in the case. Finn Meinel, Watson’s defence solicitor, argued against the detention’s fairness, stating, “Today, we argued that holding him is disproportionate, but the decision currently lies with a higher court.”




"It’s much of the same from this Greenland court. Due to the failure of the Danish Ministry of Justice to decide on Japan's extradition request - Paul will be spending his next birthday in court on these trivial revenge charges from the illegal whalers of Japan" – Rob Read, CPWF UK

Captain Watson, who has been resisting extradition to Japan, faces charges dating back to a 2010 protest against illegal whaling activities in the Antarctic. Allegations claim he injured a Japanese crew member with a non-lethal stink bomb, a claim his supporters insist is exaggerated to silence his advocacy. Video evidence, which Watson’s defence believes would prove his innocence, remained unavailable in court today.


Following the hearing, Watson commented, “115 days, and they haven’t made a decision,” a statement reflecting the frustration among his supporters worldwide.



Paul watson 5th 6th hearing detention greenland arrest denmark hearing sea shepherd uk
#FreePaulWatson


Renowned conservationists like Sylvia Earle, David Attenborough, and Jane Goodall have expressed support for Watson, condemning the restrictions on his right to a fair defence. Environmental and human rights organisations globally have voiced concerns, stating that the charges reflect a broader effort to suppress voices defending ocean life and to intimidate the environmental movement.



Paul watson hearing 5th 6th nuuk
Captain Paul Watson leaving court in Nuuk on 13th November 2024. Credit: Rob Read / Captain Paul Watson Foundation UK

The next hearing is set for 2 December, where Watson will again face the possibility of extradition to Japan on charges his legal team maintains are politically driven. The case’s progress now awaits a decision by the Danish Justice Ministry regarding the extradition’s legal grounds.






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