INTERVIEW | Anti-Whaling Activist Paul Watson Is a Victim, Lawyer Claims

Anti-whaling activist Paul Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd organization, was arrested in Greenland on July 21. Japan is currently seeking his extradition based on a 2012 Interpol arrest warrant. Meanwhile, Watson's attorney, François Zimeray, held an online interview with The Sankei Shimbun and JAPAN Forward to discuss the case. 

In the interview, Zimeray, a French lawyer who also represented former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn, argued, "We cannot expect a fair trial in Japan." He indicated he intends to continue fighting in the Greenland courts to prevent Watson's extradition to Japan.

Political Retaliation?

Watson has been in detention in Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory, since his arrest on July 21. That detention is set to expire on September 5. At that point, the Greenland judicial system must decide if there is a basis for his extradition. After that, the Danish government will decide whether to approve his extradition.

Zimeray himself is a somewhat political figure. He is a former French ambassador to Denmark and lawer for ex-Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn. During our interview, he argued, "Japan's relentless pursuit of Watson far exceeds the severity of the charges." (The Interpol warrant is based on charges of assault and obstruction for interfering with scientific whaling and causing property damage and personal injury.)  "This is nothing more than political retaliation for challenging whaling," Watson's lawyer claimed.

Zimeray further cited the issue of "hostage justice" as a reason for refusing a trial in Japan. This term refers to the prolonged detention of suspects who maintain their innocence. Drawing parallels with the treatment of Carlos Ghosn, who was arrested in 2018 and unlawfully fled Japan after his release from detention, Zimeray expressed deep distrust in Japan's judicial system. "The two cases are the same," he stated. "It has become an issue of Japanese pride and retaliation." 

He also indicated that Watson "respects Japanese culture and does not harbor resentment toward the Japanese people."

Sea Shepherd President's Take

Lamya Essemlali, President of Sea Shepherd France, also participated in the interview.

Essemlali stated that, through mediation by a United States federal court in 2016, Watson had agreed to cease obstructing research vessels permanently. However, Essemlali argued in the interview that the agreement only applied to the Southern Ocean. She said it did not restrict their activities in the North Pacific. 

She also claimed to have video evidence that disproves Japan's allegations. Essemlali asserted that when Sea Shepherd threw chemical-containing bottles at a Japanese whaling ship in 2010, no crew members were on deck. This, she argued, would refute the assault charges.

Key statements from Watson's representatives in the online interview follow.

François Zimeray

The Greenland High Court recently denied Watson's appeal. What is your next step?

The extradition of Watson to Japan is unjust. Should the Danish Ministry of Justice decide to approve it, we will vigorously oppose the move. Protests will also be organized globally.

Why do you not trust the Japanese justice system?

I don't believe we can expect a fair trial in Japan. Many Japanese lawyers, as well as the United Nations Committee Against Torture, have called for improvements to its 'hostage justice' system. The excessive pursuit of charges such as assault and obstruction of business is a matter of national pride and retaliation. It is the same as in the Ghosn case. 

Lamya Essemlali, President of Sea Shepherd France

Why are you opposed to Japan's whaling?

The Japanese whaling industry has argued that whales are a source of nutrition. Currently, such reasons no longer hold sway. Despite the small number of whale meat consumers, Japan has recently constructed a large whaling ship. 

You mentioned having a video that proves Japan fabricated the charges. Could you elaborate?

Japan claims that Sea Shepherd threw bottles containing chemicals at a whaling ship in 2010, injuring crew members. However, contemporary video footage shows that there were no crew members on the deck at the time. Despite being aware of this footage, Japanese investigators chose to ignore it.

I understand French President Emmanuel Macron considered intervening.

What President Macron asserted was simply that justice should be served without political motives. He did not request Watson's release.

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Read the article in Japanese.

Author: Mina Mitsui