Release of Paul Watson

2.9.2024

Priority question for written answer  P-001584/2024
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 144
Yvan Verougstraete (Renew)

Paul Watson is an American-Canadian activist who founded the Sea Shepherd organisation in 1977. He was arrested on 21 July 2024 in Greenland, Denmark, on the basis of an international arrest warrant issued by Japan in 2012. He is accused of having damaged a Japanese whaling ship in 2010 in the Antarctic during one of his actions. Paul Watson is now awaiting an extradition decision by the Danish court. This judicial process demonstrates Japan’s willingness to bring pressure to bear to intimidate all those who may be tempted to embrace Paul Watson’s radical mode of action.

It is imperative to act now. Protection for whistleblowers must be strengthened, including when their methods involve necessary disobedience intended to denounce, among other things, the looting of the seabed and ensure the protection of ecosystems.

What action does the Vice-President / High Representative intend to take in this matter?

Submitted: 2.9.2024