Greenland authorities have announced the extension of the detention of Paul Watson, renowned environmental activist and founder of Sea Shepherd, until December 4. This decision, taken on Wednesday November 13 by the Greenlandic judiciary, gives the Danish government time to rule on the extradition request from Japan, linked to Watson’s anti-whaling activities

Hearing and detention measures
The Greenland court stated in a press release that Watson, currently detained in Nuuk, would have to attend a new hearing on December 2 for “practical reasons”. This extension of his detention is intended to guarantee his presence during the extradition process. Watson, aged 73, was arrested in July while sailing to a Japanese whaling ship aboard his own vessel, the John Paul DeJoria.

Extradition requested for a 2010 case
The extradition request is not new: Japan wishes to try him for incidents linked to an anti-whaling campaign led by Sea Shepherd in 2010. Charges include injuring a Japanese crew member with a device containing butyric acid, as well as boarding the Japanese vessel *Shonan Maru 2*. The situation arouses indignation among Watson’s supporters, who denounce a process they consider unfair.

Danish Ministry of Justice in deliberation phase
The Danish Ministry of Justice has recently received recommendations from the Greenland police and the public prosecutor regarding the Japanese request, but has not set a date for its decision. If extradition is refused, Watson will be released; if not, his lawyers are already planning an appeal.

An appeal for international support
Watson’s lawyers have appealed to the United Nations, arguing that their client risks inhuman treatment if detained in Japan. At the same time, personalities such as primatologist Jane Goodall have expressed their support and called on France to grant him asylum. Watson, who has lived in France since 2023 with his family, hopes to be able to return soon.

The whaling context
The extradition request comes against a backdrop where commercial whaling remains a controversial issue, with Japan among the last countries to actively practice it, alongside Norway and Iceland.