Captain Paul Watson is no longer among the refined of Interpol: “After 14 years finally free” (but Japan does not give up)

After 14 years of international pursuit, Paul Watsonfamous activist against whale hunting and founder of Sea Shepherdwas removed from the Lista dei Sorcere dello Interpol. The so -called Red Noticeissued at the request of the Japanwas judged disproportionate and therefore definitively revoked. According to the Commission for the control of Interpol files, the withdrawal took place following New elementsincluding the Refusal of Denmark to extradite Watson After the arrest in Greenland in 2024.

A long legal battle, with Japan contested the decision

The international mandate dates back to 2012when Watson had been accused of having damaged a Japanese whale ship and injured a crew member during a mission at sea. The initial arrest had taken place a Frankfurtbut since then the activist had managed to avoid extradition to Japan.

The Japanese authorities and today, despite Interpol’s decision, Tokyo reiterates that the national arrest warrant remains valid and that will continue to ask for their extradition. The government also declared the decision “extremely deplorable”.

The reaction of Watson and his supporters

“I’m finally free“Watson said in a post published on social media. The activist, now 74 years old, spoke of a real international persecution by the Japanese government, accused of using disproportionate means to hit those who oppose the commercial hunt for whales.

Also Sea Shepherd Franceby the voice of his president Lamya Essemlali, welcomed the news, while remembering that The risk of a new arrest remainssince any state could perform the Japanese mandate.

Symbol of the ecological struggleWatson was able to bring public attention to the theme of cetacean hunting and the protection of marine fauna. The withdrawal of the Interpol mandate therefore represents not only a personal victory, but also an important signal for activists operating in Defense of the ocean.