20 thousand people sing “Happy Birthday” to Paul Watson at Shaka Ponk concert: the activist will spend his 74th birthday in prison

During the last concert of their tour, the Shaka Ponk they dedicated a special moment to the captain Paul Watsonenvironmental activist and founder of Sea Shepherd forced to turn 74 in prison in Greenland. Around 20,000 spectators sang “Happy Birthday” in his honor, a symbolic gesture to support his battle and denounce his controversial detention.

Shaka Ponk, a well-known French electronic rock band, used their recent concerts as message platform “Free Paul Watson”. Frah, the band’s charismatic singer, had already expressed his indignation at the decision to imprison him, stating:

Prison should be for those who destroy the environment, not for those who defend it. Paul Watson is a hero, not a criminal.

A controversial detention

Watson is an icon of the environmental movement. Co-founder of Greenpeace and founder of Sea Shepherd, he is known for his direct actions against whaling and illegal fishing. His campaigns have saved thousands of cetaceansbut they also made him a feared character.

For this reason he was arrested in July 2024 in Greenland and is still detained awaiting possible extradition to Japan. The accusations date back to 2010, when, during a protest, he allegedly damaged a Japanese whaler and caused minor injuries to a crew member.

Watson’s detention was extended several times, sparking international criticism. According to his lawyers the measure is disproportionateeven considering the accusations. His health is deteriorating and many fear that a trial in Japan would be unfairas the local legal system has often been criticized for its harshness against political opponents and environmentalists.

Many personalities, including Jane Goodallthey called for his release. In France, the country where Watson has resided since 2023, a petition has been started to grant him political asylum. Shaka Ponk in their small way continues to carry forward the message during their events in the hope that the situation will soon be resolved and that Watson will be freed.