Palli Ásbjørnsson Justesen: a faroese activist against the grindadrap.

Certain people leave a lasting impression through their commitment. This creates a connection that is hard to define or name. Even without knowing them well or spending much time together, we feel close to them because we share a common cause. We respect them, draw inspiration from them, support them, and seek to understand them. As an activist committed to fighting the grindadráp with Neptune’s Pirates UK, I wanted to learn more about Palli. How did he come to see the world around him differently from those around him? Where does the courage to oppose the culture of his country and its 53,000 inhabitants come from? Palli Ásbjørnsson Justesen is a unique figure in the Faroe Islands. At 55 years old, this father of two is the only Faroese person actively opposing the grindadráp alongside Neptune's Pirates UK. His journey is a source of inspiration and potential change within his community.

Approximately 1,100 cetaceans are killed annually in the archipelago and the grindadráp is deeply rooted in Faroese culture. While some defend this tradition, others, like Palli, fight against what they perceive as unnecessary cruelty. Neptune's Pirates UK, led by Paul Watson, found an unexpected but determined ally in Palli. Palli doesn’t precisely remember his first grindadráp, but he has vivid memories from his childhood in Tórshavn. Around the age of 10, his father took him to a grindadráp with other family members. He recalls helping to pull the whales onto the beach with hooks, an experience made difficult by his wooden shoes, which were unsuitable for the rocky terrain. The next day, he helped his family cut up the meat. While children are usually immersed in this culture from a young age, Palli never developed a taste for whale meat and never actively participated in killing the animals.

About 14 years ago, in 2011, Palli experienced a significant turning point in his life during a brutal grindadráp in Funningsfjørður. He recalls, “I remember how awful it was to hear the whales scream and cry on the beach, and to see dead animals and the ocean colored bloody red from the whales recently killed by the Faroese men and women. The worst part was seeing parents bring their children to witness the grindadráp- the children often played with the dead whales and sat on top of them, even when the whales' necks were sliced open and bloody.” Four years later, in 2015, he encountered Paul Watson's ship, the Brigitte Bardot. Driven by curiosity and a desire for dialogue, he boarded the ship to speak with the crew. Although he initially found the presence of activists amusing, Palli quickly understood the seriousness of their mission. His public acknowledgment of his commitment came in 2020, when he posted a video with the organization and received a medal of courage from Paul Watson. This act of bravery garnered both support and fierce opposition, even leading to attempts to sabotage his car.

Palli’s opposition to the grindadráp has had repercussions on his personal and family life. These children's mother supports his cause and refuse to give whale meat to their children. Palli has been vegan for four years, and his 10-year-old son wishes to join him in his efforts. Palli firmly believes in the possibility of lasting change. He hopes that his activism, along with that of others, will encourage the Faroese people to reconsider the role of the grindadráp in their culture. He points to the history of the whaling station Við Áir, where whaling practices were abandoned, as evidence that attitudes can evolve.

Palli Ásbjørnsson Justesen represents a beacon of hope for a future without the grindadráp in the Faroe Islands. His story demonstrates the power of individual commitment and the potential for change even in the most entrenched traditions. For us activists, Palli is an ally who gives us hope that traditions can change, evolve, and that the Faroese population will eventually protect what is most precious.

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