Canadian-American environmentalist and anti-whaling activist Paul Watson remains in custody in Greenland after his arrest in July, pending possible deportation to Japan, police said Thursday.
The Nuuk District Court has extended Watson’s detention until September 5 while an international arrest warrant is processed. Watson is appealing the court’s ruling.
Watson, 73, was arrested after entering the port of Nuuk on July 21 aboard the ship, the John Paul DeJoria.
Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, has been an animal rights activist for decades. His direct action style has drawn opposition from several whaling nations.
He is controversial among other environmentalists. Some see him as a hero, while others call him an eco-terrorist.
According to the Danish Ministry of Justice, the Greenland authorities must investigate whether the conditions for deportation have been met under the legislation of the autonomous region.
A final decision will be made by the Danish authorities in Copenhagen. It is not clear when this will happen.
Watson was originally a member of Greenpeace, but left the community because of his practices.
Activists have called for Watson’s release. If deported to Japan, he reportedly faces up to 15 years in prison for causing injury during an attack on a Japanese whaling ship.
